Q42.0: Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of rectum with fistula

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. The large intestine connects to the small intestine. The large intestine is where water and minerals are taken from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine consists of 2 sections. These 2 sections are the rectum and anal canal. The feces are collected in the rectum. The feces then move through the short anal canal to the anus. Feces are excreted through the anus.

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. If tissue fails to develop properly, defects can occur. A defect in the large intestine may take different forms. It may be that sections fail to develop so they are missing. Sections may be narrower than usual. Sections may also be so narrow that they are sealed.

If sections are narrow or sealed, it can cause different problems. The smaller the inner opening of a section of the large intestine, the more difficult it is for the stool to get into the following sections of the intestine or to be excreted. If a section of the large intestine is missing or sealed, it may be impossible for the stool to be excreted. The stool can then back up in the small or large intestine. This can cause different health problems. There may be vomiting or a bloated abdomen, for example.

The rectum also has connections to the outside, to the urinary organs or the genital organs. Stool or air can escape from the intestine through the connections.