Anal Atresia

If your baby is diagnosed with a birth defect such as anal atresia, it can be shocking and devastating to say the least. You should know that if you took certain medications during your pregnancy and your baby was born with birth defects, you might be eligible to seek financial compensation for your baby's suffering.

For example, a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been linked to an increase in the risk of certain birth defects, including anal atresia, when taken by pregnant women. If you were given Zoloft®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Lexapro®, Celexa®, or another type of SSRI during your pregnancy and your baby is diagnosed with one or more birth defects, you can seek help from a birth defect lawyer by contacting the Flood Law Group today.

What is Anal Atresia?

Anal atresia is a birth defect characterized by being born without an opening in the anus or a blockage of the anus. It often is present in combination with other congenital abnormalities.

Anal atresia is rare, occurring in one in every 5,000 births.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Some symptoms of anal atresia include:

• The infant fails to have a bowel movement within 48 hours of birth
• The abdomen or belly is swollen
• The anal opening is missing
• The anal opening in girls is very close to the vaginal opening
• The anal opening is not in its normal position
• Stool passes through the penis, vagina, the base of the scrotum or the urethra
• The rectum might open abnormally into others parts of the body including the urethra, bladder, base of the penis or scrotum, or the vagina
• The rectum could also end in a small pouch that is not connected to the colon

Usually, a physical exam is enough to diagnose this condition. Sometimes tests, such as ultrasound, may be necessary.

Treatment for Anal Atresia

• Anal atresia is usually corrected surgically
• Corrective surgery typically is done as soon as it can be; the type of surgery depends upon the type and severity of the atresia
• Sometimes, the surgeon attaches a colostomy bag to the baby until he or she is older and surgery is safer
• Further operations may be necessary in the future

Long-term Complications of Anal Atresia

Very few complications occur after surgery for anal atresia. When there are complications, they may involve:

• Infection in the intestines
• Damage to nearby organs, this might be due to malformations in the area of the surgery
• After surgery, few complications arise; the only problems might be digestive or bowel trouble (these may be dealt with by using certain medications and eating a specific type of diet)

Contact a Birth Defect Lawyer

If you have taken an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) during your pregnancy and then had a baby with a birth defect, you should contact a birth defect lawyer. It is important to find out if there is a link between your baby's birth defect and the drug you took while pregnant.

To talk with an experienced birth defect lawyer in a free case review, please contact Flood Law Group today.