Urogenital Conditions
Anal Atresia, otherwise known as imperforate anus, is a birth defect that affects the anus (the exterior opening from the bowel to the outside of the body) of an infant. Anal Atresia occurs when the anus is abnormally dilated or constricted, positioned abnormally, or when a fistula (crack or channel) is present that empties the colon into the bladder, vagina or urethra. Sometimes the anal opening is missing altogether.
It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 live births have anal atresia.