Anorectal Malformation

When a baby is growing inside the womb, sometimes the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. This is called an “anorectal malformation,” and it causes problems with how a baby has a bowel movement (how they poop). Most babies need surgery to correct this right after they’re born — usually before they can go home from the hospital. At Nemours Children's, our pediatric surgeons are experts at repairing anorectal malformations in even the tiniest newborns.

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Anorectal Malformation

When a baby is growing inside the womb, sometimes the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. This is called an “anorectal malformation,” and it causes problems with how a baby has a bowel movement (how they poop). Most babies need surgery to correct this right after they’re born — usually before they can go home from the hospital. At Nemours Children's, our pediatric surgeons are experts at repairing anorectal malformations in even the tiniest newborns.

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Anorectal Malformation

Why Choose Us

At Nemours, our pediatric surgeons work together to identify and treat anorectal malformations as early as possible. As children grow and develop, pediatric specialists and programs throughout our health system can help your family manage ongoing symptoms, or conditions that may be related to anorectal malformations (like Hirschsprung disease). For example, a bowel management program can be helpful for children, especially if they need additional surgeries.

Regional Care Highlights

Delaware Valley Highlights

Delaware/Greater Philadelphia

We offer complete pediatric anorectal malformation care at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware (Wilmington, Del.) and satellite Nemours Children's Health locations.

  • The only Level IV NICU in the state of Delaware, providing the highest level of care for the most premature newborns
  • Specialized Nemours critical care transport teams for safe, urgent helicopter and ambulance transfer from other hospitals
  • 24-hour pediatrics-only surgical services at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware
  • Advanced, fully equipped pediatric outpatient surgery center at Nemours Children's Health, Deptford, with imaging capabilities onsite
  • Bowel management clinic to help control bowel movements and keep the bowels clean — to help improve your child’s confidence and quality of life 
  • Fetal testing and specialty consultations for malformations detected during pregnancy that may require surgery as soon as your baby is born 
  • Ronald McDonald House of Delaware next to our hospital campus, for an affordable home away from home during longer hospital stays

Florida Highlights

Central Florida

We offer ongoing pediatric anorectal malformation care at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, in Orlando.  

Northeast Florida

We offer pediatric anorectal malformation care at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville

Find Care at Nemours

We have many pediatric specialists and locations — find the care closest to you:

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