Persistent Cloaca and Cloacal Variants in Males: Qualitative Review of a Neglected Anomaly

Cloacal malformations are rare and are typically reported in females. There are a few scattered reports in males. It is not clear why they are so rare in males since both sexes negotiate this stage of embryonal development.

The present study aims to share our experience and review all the cases of persistent cloaca and cloacal variants in males reported in the literature.

The male cloaca is defined as a single common channel of varying lengths with separate inlets for the urinary tract (urethra) anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly at its cranial end and with a solitary perineal orifice/opening for external drainage. We also carried out an electronic literature search for cloaca, persistent cloaca, common cloaca, cloacal dysgenesis, cloacal malformation, cloacal membrane agenesis, urorectal malformation sequence, rectourinary perineal fistula, sirenomelia, and caudal regression syndrome.

After eliminating other cloacal anomalies and persistent cloaca in females, we found a total of 22 males with persistent cloaca or cloacal variant reported in the literature. In addition, we are adding two cases we have managed since our previous report.

An effort should be made to search for the presence of the common channel in male patients with a single perineal opening. Recognition of the anomaly, width of the common cloacal channel, location of the rectal pouch with relation to the sacrum or pubis, status of the spine and sacrum, and nature of the anal sphincter are vital pieces of information to successfully manage the anomaly. It would be worthwhile if future reports on the subject also include long-term information about urinary and fecal functions and continence.