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Mid-anal sphincteric malformation, cause of constipation in anterior perineal anus
Insights
Constipation in children with a normally positioned anus may stem from a congenital malformation of the external anal sphincter. This condition causes weakness in the anal canal, leading to straining during defecation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Anorectal Physiology
Background:
- Constipation with straining is observed in children with an anteriorly located, otherwise normal anus.
- The underlying cause of this specific type of constipation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of constipation in children with an anteriorly located anus.
- To identify the structural abnormalities responsible for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Clinical feature analysis in seven affected children.
- Intraoperative findings assessment.
Main Results:
- A congenital malformation of the mid-portion of the external anal sphincter was identified.
- Weakness in the corresponding segment of the anal canal was observed.
Conclusions:
- The primary cause of constipation in this syndrome is congenital malformation and weakness of the external anal sphincter and anal canal.
- This finding clarifies the etiology of constipation in children with this specific anorectal presentation.
Abstract:
Constipation characterized by straining at defecation has been reported in association with an anteriorly located, but otherwise "normal' anus, however its cause is not known. In this communication the pathogenesis of constipation has been discussed on the basis of clinical features and intraoperative findings seen in seven children with this syndrome. The primary cause of constipation lies in the congenital malformation of the mid-portion of the external sphincter and weakness of the corresponding segment of the anal canal.