Congenital rectal stenosis: a sign of a presacral pathologic condition

Congenital rectal stenosis may be detected in the newborn during the initial physical examination. Failure of conservative therapy (dilatation) should alert the physician to the presence of an associated pathologic condition in the presacral space. Presacral teratoma, anterior sacral meningocele, or bony anomalies may be the underlying extrinsic causes of congenital rectal stenosis. Prompt recognition and appropriate operative management directed at the presacral lesion will relieve obstructive symptoms and minimize morbidity.