At Austin Pediatric Surgery, we specialize in the comprehensive care of children with complex colorectal and bowel conditions. From congenital issues like anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung Disease to chronic constipation and fecal incontinence, our expert team offers individualized treatment plans designed to improve your child’s quality of life.
We combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, family-centered care, guiding you through every step—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and long-term bowel management. Our goal is to ensure your child thrives with predictable bowel function, enhanced self-esteem, and overall well-being.
Anorectal Malformations
Anorectal malformations (Imperforate Anus) are congenital defects where the anus is absent or improperly formed, preventing normal stool passage. This condition occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births.
​
Types of Anorectal Malformations
-
Absent Anal Opening: No opening for stool to pass.
-
Misplaced or Small Anal Opening: Located incorrectly or too small.
-
Fistula Connections: Abnormal connections between the rectum and the urinary system or vagina.
-
Cloaca (Females): A single opening for the intestine, urethra, and vagina.​
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through physical exams at birth and confirmed with additional tests for associated anomalies:
-
Ultrasound: Evaluates kidneys.
-
X-Ray: Checks intestine and spine.
-
Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function.
​​
Treatment
Low Rectum or Abnormal Opening
-
Single surgery (anoplasty) moves or creates the anal opening.
​
High Rectum with No Opening
-
Three-Staged Surgery:
-
Colostomy: Creates a stoma for stool passage.
-
Neo-Anus Creation: Positions the rectum correctly and repairs fistulas.
-
Colostomy Closure: Restores normal stool passage.
-
​​
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
-
Hospital Stay: Discharge occurs once feeding, bowel function, and pain are well-managed.
-
Home Care: Includes ostomy care, preventing diaper rash, and managing constipation.
-
Long-Term Management: Children with high rectal defects may require a bowel management program for proper function.
​
​​
Austin Pediatric Surgery is here to guide you through every step, ensuring the best outcomes for your child’s care and recovery. Contact us for support or consultation.
Bowel Management
Our Bowel Management Program is for children with constipation and/or fecal incontinence. We work with children and families to achieve a goal of predictable bowel movements to improve quality of life. This program is designed to avoid bowel accidents and diaper dependence, which can lead to remaining clean and improved self-esteem. We offer daily feedback via email or a phone call to achieve the individualized goals discussed at the initial meeting.
​
Fecal incontinence can be a result of congenital conditions, constipation, or issues with muscle weakness or injury. Symptoms of this can be mild leakage of stool when passing gas to no control of bowel movements with daily accidents. Some congenital conditions our program will be successful for are:
​
-
Imperforate anus/anorectal malformation
-
Hirschsprung Disease
-
Idiopathic constipation
-
Fecal incontinence
-
Cloacal exstrophy
-
Spina bifida
What to expect
Your family will meet with the team to review the past medical and surgical history and type of bowel control issues your child is experiencing. After a physical exam and radiographic imaging, an individualized program will be created to achieve the goals of bowel control discussed for your child. This can be achieved with dietary changes, medications such as laxatives, and/or enemas. We understand the importance of daily communication, dedication, and teamwork between our medical providers and families to achieve success.