Symbolic image representing the journey of adults with colorectal anomalies transitioning from pediatric to adult care.

Growing Up with Colorectal Anomalies: A Lifelong Journey

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the unique medical needs of adults born with congenital colorectal conditions."

For years, the medical world treated children and adults as separate entities. But what happens when childhood conditions persist? Advances in pediatric surgery mean more people are living into adulthood with congenital anomalies, particularly colorectal malformations. These individuals often experience lasting effects that require specialized care.

A recent study dives into the specific challenges faced by adults who were born with conditions like anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD). The goal is to shed light on their medical and surgical needs as they navigate adulthood.

Researchers reviewed the cases of 88 adult patients who had received treatment for congenital colorectal issues. By understanding the common problems these individuals face, the medical community can work towards better preparing adult healthcare providers and ensuring a smoother transition of care.

Common Problems Faced by Adults with Colorectal Anomalies

Symbolic image representing the journey of adults with colorectal anomalies transitioning from pediatric to adult care.

The study revealed a range of complications experienced by adults who had undergone surgery for congenital colorectal malformations in their youth. These issues can significantly impact their quality of life and require ongoing medical attention. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward providing comprehensive care.

The most common problems addressed in the study included:

Complications from previous surgeries (41 patients)
Rectal prolapse (25 patients)
Fecal incontinence (11 patients)
Gynecologic concerns (12 patients)
Urologic concerns (6 patients)
Recurrent recto-urogenital fistula (3 patients)

To address these issues, the researchers performed 83 surgical interventions, including procedures to repair rectal prolapse, create continent appendicostomies, and address presacral masses. Some patients also benefited from non-surgical approaches like bowel management programs and specialized obstetric or urologic evaluations.

A Collaborative Approach to Lifelong Care

The study highlights a critical need: better preparation for adult healthcare providers who will be caring for individuals with congenital colorectal conditions. These patients require a nuanced understanding of their unique medical histories and potential complications.

One promising solution is increased collaboration between specialized pediatric centers and adult specialists, including colorectal surgeons, urologists, and gynecologists. By working together, these experts can create a seamless transition of care and ensure that patients receive the comprehensive support they need throughout their lives.

As surgical techniques improve and more children with colorectal anomalies reach adulthood, this collaborative approach will become increasingly vital. It's about ensuring a better quality of life for these individuals, addressing their specific needs, and empowering them to live full and healthy lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00383-018-4401-7, Alternate LINK

Title: Transition Of Care: A Growing Concern In Adult Patients Born With Colorectal Anomalies

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Pediatric Surgery International

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Shannon Acker, Alberto Peña, Duncan Wilcox, Veronica Alaniz, Andrea Bischoff

Published: 2018-11-03

Everything You Need To Know

What specific health challenges do adults face when they were born with congenital colorectal malformations?

Adults who were born with congenital colorectal malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD), often experience complications from previous surgeries, rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, gynecologic concerns, urologic concerns, and recurrent recto-urogenital fistulas. These issues can significantly impact their quality of life and necessitate ongoing medical attention, highlighting the need for specialized and collaborative care.

What is a continent appendicostomy and why would it be performed on someone with congenital colorectal anomalies?

A continent appendicostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a channel from the abdominal wall to the colon, allowing for controlled bowel emptying. While not explicitly detailed, the purpose of creating a continent appendicostomy in the context of congenital colorectal anomalies is to improve fecal continence and quality of life for individuals who experience fecal incontinence as a result of conditions like anorectal malformations (ARM) or Hirschsprung's disease (HD). This intervention aims to provide a more manageable and dignified method of bowel management.

What exactly is a presacral mass, and what implications does it have for someone with a history of congenital colorectal issues?

A presacral mass refers to an abnormal growth located in the space between the rectum and the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine). While the study mentions addressing presacral masses, it doesn't specify the nature of these masses. In individuals with congenital colorectal anomalies, presacral masses could be various entities, such as teratomas, cysts, or other congenital lesions. Surgical intervention would likely involve removal or drainage of the mass, depending on its nature and size, to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Why is it crucial for adult healthcare providers to be well-prepared when treating individuals with congenital colorectal conditions?

The study indicates that better preparation is needed for adult healthcare providers to care for individuals with congenital colorectal conditions like anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Adult healthcare providers need a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history, previous surgeries, and potential complications. This preparation involves specialized training and knowledge of the unique medical and surgical needs of adults with these conditions, as well as the ability to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

What are recto-urogenital fistulas, and why are they a recurring concern for individuals who have had congenital colorectal anomalies?

A recto-urogenital fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and the urinary tract (urethra or bladder) or the genital tract (vagina). The recurrent nature of these fistulas suggests that initial surgical repairs may not have been entirely successful or that new fistulas have developed over time. The presence of a recto-urogenital fistula can lead to recurrent infections, incontinence (both fecal and urinary), and significant discomfort. Surgical intervention is typically required to close the fistula and restore normal bowel and urinary/genital function. The study highlights that addressing these fistulas is part of the comprehensive care needed by adults with congenital colorectal anomalies, such as anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD).