Congenital Anorectal Malformations: What Happens in Adulthood?

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly involving anal atresia. Usually during the initial procedure, pediatric surgeons successfully bypass obstructions and eventually restore GI continuity. To evaluate the quality of life of these patients as adults, investigators in Japan surveyed 29 patients aged 20 to 40 who were treated for ARM (usually anal atresia that resulted in obstruction); 13 patients had high-type, 9 had intermediate-type, and 7 had low-type anomalies.

All patients reported normal urinary function. Four of the 18 men reported occasional fecal soiling, and 3 of the 11 women reported problems related to bowel function; all 7 patients with bowel function problems had high- or intermediate-type …