Anorectal malformations (ARM) present a wide spectrum of defects in the development of the distal portion of the intestine and are frequently accompanied by malformations of the urogenital tract. In addition to the anatomical defect, these children may struggle with functional issues as fecal/urinary incontinence that will accompany them for life.
Proper identification and classification of the defect has therapeutic and prognostic implications. The systematic approach to ARM has been formulated in an attempt to construct a practical, reproducible way to manage these children.
Restoration of intestinal continuity and reconstruction of the rectum and neoanus in respect to anatomical pelvic structures are the hallmark of the surgical approach. An appropriate operation enables the children to maximize their inborn potential for continence. For those children who remain with varies degrees of incontinence, we offer a personally tailored Bowel Management program.
Bowel management is a comprehensive program that enables the children a good quality of life despite their inborn limitation. This program combines daily bowel cleaning by retrograde or antegrade enemas, bowel motility modulators and an appropriate diet.
