​​DISCLAIMER: The following information has been gathered from various sources, including Medical Professionals and experts in the field. This is in no way a medical text, but can be used as a helpful set of information that will hopefully give you an understanding and basic knowledge of the subject.
A
Anorectal Malformation (ARM):
A congenital defect involving the anus and rectum. Sometimes associated with abnormalities of the genitourinary system, potentially affecting bowel, urinary, and sexual function.
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ARM High Malformation:
An ARM where the rectum ends above the levator ani muscles, usually requiring staged surgery.
ARM Low Malformation:
An ARM where the rectum ends below the levator ani, may allow primary repair without colostomy.
Levator Ani Muscle:
Pelvic floor muscles critical in supporting the rectum and anus; important for continence.
Anus:
The external opening of the rectum through which stool (poo) passes.
Anal Atresia:
Absence or abnormal closure of the anal opening.
Anal Stenosis:
Narrowing of the anal canal causing constipation - ribbon like stool (poo)
C
Cloaca:
A rare, complex female malformation where the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract share a single common channel.
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Colostomy:
Surgical creation of an opening from the colon to the abdominal wall to allow stool (poo) to pass.
D
Dilator:
Device used to gradually widen the anal canal.
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Distal Colostogram (or Contrast Study):
Imaging study to map the anatomy of the distal rectum and detect fistulas before surgery.
F
Fistula:
Abnormal connection between rectum and urinary or genital tract.
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Rectourethral fistula:
Rectum connects to urethra.
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Rectovesical fistula:
Rectum connects to bladder.
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Rectovestibular fistula:
Rectum connects to vaginal vestibule
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Rectovaginal fistula:
Rectum connects directly to vagina.
H
Hydronephrosis:
Swelling of kidney due to urine backup, often from vesicoureteral reflux.
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Hydroureter:
Dilated ureter due to obstruction or reflux, sometimes seen in ARM-associated urological anomalies.
P
Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP):
A technique used in surgery for ARM.
R
Rectal Pouch:
The blind-ending distal segment of the rectum in ARM.
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Renal Anomalies:
May include agenesis, dysplasia, or ectopic kidneys.
S
Stenosis:
Narrowing of a bodily passage. In ARM this usually refers to the anus or rectum, affecting passing of stool (poo)
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Sphincter Complex:
Muscles controlling stool passage; crucial for continence.
Urological
Bladder Dysfunction:
Neurogenic or structural dysfunction, causing incontinence or incomplete emptying.
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Duplicated Ureter:
Two ureters from one kidney, may predispose to reflux.
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Ectopic Kidney:
Kidney located abnormally (e.g., pelvic kidney).
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Hydronephrosis:
Swelling of kidney due to urine backflow, often from vesicoureteral reflux.
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Hydroureter:
Dilated ureter due to obstruction or reflux, sometimes seen in ARM-associated urological anomalies.
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Renal Agenesis:
Absence of one or both kidneys
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Renal Dysplasia:
Malformed kidney(s)
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Renal Ultrasound:
A non-invasive imaging test to visualise the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
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Urethra:
The canal through which urine exits; may form fistulas with rectum.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
Frequent in ARM due to fistulas or reflux, incomplete bladder emptying.
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Urinary Retention:
Inability to fully or partially empty the bladder.
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Urodynamic studies:
Tests that assess how the bladder and urethra store and release urine. They measure bladder function, pressure, and urine flow to identify problems such as incontinence, retention, or abnormal bladder contractions.
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Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR):
Urine flows backward from bladder to kidneys, risking infection and kidney damage.
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VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram):
X-ray study of the bladder and urethra while the bladder fills and empties with contrast.
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Sexual Health - Male
​Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
Can occur if pelvic nerves are affected by ARM or surgery.
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Retrograde Ejaculation:
Rare complication after pelvic surgery, may affect fertility.​
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Sexual Health - Female
​Müllerian Anomalies:
Malformations of uterus or vagina common in ARM (e.g., bicornuate uterus, vaginal septum).
Menstrual Dysfunction:
May occur due to vaginal anomalies or previous surgery.
Fertility Issues:
Obstruction, scarring, or abnormal genital anatomy can reduce fertility; many patients can conceive after corrective surgery.
Vaginal Reconstruction:
May be necessary in cases of cloaca or other complex malformations
VACTERL Assocciation
A cluster of congenital anomalies sometimes associated with ARM:
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V – Vertebral anomalies
A – Anal atresia
C – Cardiac defects
T – Tracheoesophageal fistula
E – Esophageal atresia
R – Renal anomalies
L – Limb defects
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For information please visit: GOSH's VACTERL page here