Skip to Main Content

We have a new app!

Take the Access library with you wherever you go—easy access to books, videos, images, podcasts, personalized features, and more.

Download the Access App here: iOS and Android

Key Features

  • Usually presents in the newborn period

  • Anal aperture may be very small and filled with a dot of meconium

  • Occurs in about 3 of 10,000 live births, with slightly more males affected

Clinical Findings

  • Defecation is difficult

  • Ribbon-like stools

  • Blood and mucus per rectum

  • Fecal impaction

  • Abdominal distention

Diagnosis

  • May not be apparent at birth because the anus looks normal

  • Rectal bleeding in a straining infant often leads to a rectal examination, which reveals a tight ring in the anal canal

Treatment

  • Dilation of the anal ring is usually curative but may have to be repeated daily for several weeks

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.