Anorectal Malformation

Anorectal Malformation (ARM) Doctor in Sahakarnagar, Bangalore

At the clinic of Dr Vidya B U, we provide world-class clinical care for Anorectal Malformations (ARM) and Imperforate Anus for newborns across North Bangalore, including Thanisandra and RT Nagar. Our Doctors specialize in the PSARP (Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty) procedure, combining 13+ years of expertise with the precision of a medical illustrator to ensure the best functional outcomes and long-term bowel management for your child.

Anorectal Malformation

Anorectal malformation is a congenital condition in which the anus and rectum do not develop properly before birth. In this condition, the normal opening for passing stool may be absent, misplaced, or connected abnormally to nearby organs such as the urinary tract in boys or the vagina in girls.

Anorectal malformations are detected at birth and require timely surgical evaluation and correction.

Why Does Anorectal Malformation Occur?

During fetal development, the lower part of the digestive tract may not form correctly. As a result:

  • The anal opening may be missing or very narrow

  • The rectum may not connect to the anus properly

  • There may be abnormal connections (fistulas) to other organs

The exact cause is not known, and it is not due to anything the parents did during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms

Anorectal malformation is usually identified soon after birth. Signs may include:

  • No visible anal opening

  • Abnormal position of the anal opening

  • Failure to pass stool within the first 24–48 hours

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Stool passing through the urinary opening (in boys)

  • Stool passing through the vaginal area (in girls)

Immediate medical evaluation is necessary.

Associated Conditions

Some babies with anorectal malformation may also have associated abnormalities involving:

  • Spine

  • Kidneys and urinary tract

  • Heart

  • Esophagus

  • Limbs

Therefore, a complete evaluation is essential.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

  • Physical examination at birth

  • X-rays to determine the level of rectal pouch

  • Ultrasound of abdomen and spine

  • Echocardiogram if required

These investigations help plan the appropriate surgical approach.

Treatment for Anorectal Malformation

Surgery is required to correct the condition. The type and timing of surgery depend on the severity.

Low-Type Malformation
  • Corrective surgery may be performed soon after birth

  • The rectum is repositioned, and a normal anal opening is created

High-Type Malformation
  • A temporary colostomy may be created initially

  • Definitive surgery (Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty – PSARP) is performed later

  • Colostomy is closed after healing

The goal of surgery is to create a functional anal opening and allow normal bowel movements.

What Parents Can Expect

Before Surgery

The baby will undergo detailed evaluation to identify the type of malformation and associated conditions.

During Surgery

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a specialized pediatric surgical setting.

After Surgery

Careful monitoring, wound care, and sometimes anal dilatation exercises are required. Long-term follow-up ensures proper bowel control and growth.

Long-Term Outlook

With timely surgical correction and proper follow-up, many children achieve good bowel control and normal growth. Some may require ongoing bowel management support.

Our Commitment to Newborn Surgical Care

Our pediatric surgical team provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for anorectal malformations. With specialized neonatal care, precise surgical techniques, and long-term follow-up, we focus on ensuring healthy development and improved quality of life for your child while offering continuous support to families throughout the treatment journey.

FAQs:

Anorectal malformations are typically diagnosed at birth during the initial newborn examination. It is critical to consult a specialized Pediatric Doctor immediately for a clinical evaluation to determine if a colostomy or a primary repair is required. Dr. Vidya B U provides emergency neonatal consultations for families in Sahakarnagar and Hebbal.

PSARP (Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty) is the gold-standard clinical surgery used to create a functional anal opening. Dr. Vidya utilizes high-precision techniques to reconstruct the anatomy, serving patients in North Bangalore with a focus on preserving the muscle complex for future continence.

Yes. Cloacal Malformations are complex cases where the urinary, vaginal, and rectal tracts share a single opening. These require highly specialized Doctor for successful reconstruction. We provide comprehensive clinical surgery and long-term follow-up for families in Thanisandra and RT Nagar.

With modern clinical surgical techniques, most children lead healthy and active lives. However, long-term Bowel Management is often necessary. Our team in Hebbal works closely with parents on specialized training and dietary plans to ensure the best quality of life as the child grows.

In specific cases, such as "High ARM," Laparoscopically Assisted Anorectal Pull-Through (LAARP) is an option. Our Doctors assess each newborn's clinical condition to choose the least invasive path for families in Sahakarnagar and North Bangalore, ensuring smaller incisions and faster healing.