Colonic and Rectal Atresias

Abstract

Colonic and rectal atresias are very rare. Both have been considered to be the result of insufficient blood supply during intrauterine life. Rectal atresia is included in classifications of anorectal malformations. Colonic and rectal atresia both present as neonatal bowel obstruction. The diagnosis of colonic atresia is usually suspected on plain abdominal radiographs. A contrast enema is useful to show a microcolon. Rectal atresia is suspected in neonates with bowel obstruction, where it is impossible to pass a catheter through the rectum, although the anus is normal. Colonic atresia is often operated with resection of dilated colon and primary anastomosis. In complicated cases, it is common to open a colostomy in the neonate and do the anastomosis later. There are several procedures for rectal atresias. Many investigators open a colostomy in the neonate and reconstruct the rectum through a posterior sagittal approach at a later stage. Long-term functional outcome is usually favorable in patients with colonic as well as rectal atresia.