$Unique_ID{BRK01337}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Is it Possible to be Born Without an Anus?}
$Subject{anus closed newborn}
$Volume{I-13}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Colon*0001601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible to be Born Without an Anus?


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QUESTION:  My friend claims he was born without an "anus" (my translation
AHB).  Is this possible?  How could he still be alive now?  If this is just a
gag, you don't have to answer it, but if it could be I would like to know how.

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ANSWER:  Yes, it is possible, and its called an "Imperforate Anus" in medical
circles.  It is the result of an inherited malformation, a membrane, and
occurs in males.  It is present at birth, and the first sign of its presence
may be the lack of any stools in the first days of life.  After two or three
days, the abdomen begins to distend from accumulating gases in the colon and
intestine.  The membrane can be felt on rectal examination if it is low down,
but can also be shown on x-ray.  With the infant head down, an object that is
opaque to x-rays is inserted in the anus.  Gas in the colon rises, and can be
shown to be separated from the opaque object by a membrane of varying
thickness.  Once discovered, a surgical procedure is used to remove the
obstruction, and restore the opening to normal.  The condition requires a most
careful evaluation for frequently it is associated with other malformations of
the lower intestinal tract.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
