Urological Problems in Children with Anorectal Malformations

Abstract

The importance of investigating and treating the urinary tract in patients born with anorectal malformations (ARM), has until recently been underemphasized. This is surprising as the association between urological anomalies and ARM is well described and is a known feature of both the VATER (acronym of Vertebral and vascular anomalies, Anal atresia, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Esophageal atresia, and Renal anomalies, Radial dysplasia) and VACTERL (acronym of Vertebral abnormalities, Anal atresia, Cardiac defects, Tracheoesophageal fistula with Esophageal atresia, Radial and renal defects, and Lower-limb abnormalities) associations. These children can have both structural and functional abnormalities of the upper and lower urinary tract as well as significant genital anomalies. Anomalies of the genitourinary tract can have a dramatic impact on the length and quality of these children’s lives.