How to treat a child born with anal closure

Children born with anal closure need to be treated as soon as possible, usually through surgical intervention, including anoplasty, colostomy and secondary reconstructive surgery. The treatment effect is closely related to the timing of the operation and the severity of the disease.

Anal closure is one of the common congenital malformations in newborns. Its causes may involve genetic factors, intrauterine environmental factors and abnormal embryonic development. Among them, environmental influences such as maternal infection during pregnancy, drug exposure or radiation exposure may increase the incidence of this condition. Anal closure often manifests as abnormal anal position, inability to defecate or abdominal distension. Some patients may also have other developmental abnormalities, such as urinary system or spinal malformations. The diagnosis usually relies on physical examination and imaging methods (such as abdominal X-ray or B-ultrasound) after birth to determine the degree of closure and the presence of rectal fistula.

Treatment plans vary for different types of anal closure. Mild closure may be solved once and for all through anoplasty, which is suitable for long-term follow-up observation after surgery; moderate to severe closure often requires staged surgery, with colostomy performed first to relieve defecation pressure, and anal reconstruction and reconstruction performed after the child's physical condition allows. After surgery, parents need to assist their children in scientific anal dilation training to maintain the function of the anus after surgery. In addition, to support the healthy growth of the baby after surgery, special attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, providing more fiber-rich and easily digestible foods to help restore intestinal function.

In the face of such challenges, parents’ attention and active treatment can effectively improve the child’s long-term prognosis. To ensure the timeliness of treatment, parents need to consult a pediatric surgeon as soon as possible to develop an appropriate treatment plan so that the child’s body can recover normal function as soon as possible and regain a healthy childhood.