anus (a´nus) pl. a´ni the opening of the rectum on the body surface; the distal orifice of the alimentary canal.
Imperforate anus
imperforate anus,
anus [a´nus] (pl. a´nus)
imperforate anus persistence of the anal epithelial plug so that the anus is closed, either completely or partially.
| imperforate anus n. See anal atresia. |
Imperforate anus
A congenital malformation (a birth defect) in which the rectum is a blind alley (a cul-de-sac) and there is no anus.
Mentioned in: Ostomy
imperforate anus,
any of several congenital developmental malformations of the anorectal portion of the GI tract.
observations The most common form is anal agenesis, in which the rectal pouch ends blindly above the surface of the perineum. An anal fistula is present in 80% to 90% of cases. Other forms include anal stenosis, in which the anal aperture is small, and anal membrane atresia, in which the anal membrane covers the aperture, creating an obstruction.
interventions The defect is usually discovered at birth; inspection reveals absence of the anus or the presence of a thin translucent membrane covering it. Digital and endoscopic examination allows identification of the anatomic character of the malformation. Radiographic examination is performed to outline the rectal pouch. A radiopaque marker is placed at the usual site of the anus, and the infant is held upside down. Air moving through the intestines into the distal portion of the bowel or the rectum is visible on the x-ray film. Anal stenosis is treated with daily digital dilation begun in the hospital and continued at home by the parents. An imperforate anal membrane is excised, and digital dilation is performed daily as the skin heals. Surgical reconstruction is performed to treat anal agenesis in infants in whom the pouch is below the puborectalis of the levator ani; an anus is created surgically by an anoplasty. Anal atresia in which the pouch at the end of the bowel is high above the perineum may require a colostomy.
nursing considerations Often it is the nurse who identifies the anal malformation during the routine newborn assessment. A newborn who does not pass any stool in the first 24 hours requires further evaluation for the possibility of the defect. The passage of meconium from the vagina or urinary meatus clearly indicates the presence of anal fistula and usually occurs in association with an imperforate anus. Postoperative care in the newborn treated surgically for any of these conditions requires scrupulous attention to the perineal area.
anus [a´nus] (pl. a´nus)
the opening of the rectum on the body surface.
The anus. Left, Endoanal magnetic resonance image of the sphincter muscles. High-definition images can be obtained by using an endoanal MRI coil. Right, Explanatory diagram (coronal view in a normal patient). From Aspinall and Taylor Robinson, 2001.
imperforate anus congenital absence of the normal opening of the rectum. Called also anal atresia and atresia ani.
anus
the terminal opening of the alimentary canal. See also anal.
imperforate anus
congenital absence of the normal opening of the rectum. Called also anal atresia, atresia ani.
anus of Rusconi
see blastopore.
imperforate anus
Anal atresia, anorectal atresia GI surgery A congenital obstruction of the anal opening which affects 1:5000 children; in some Pts there may be communication between the GI tract and vagina and bladder
Management Surgical anastomosis
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