Skip to main content
Log in

Anal canal duplication in childhood

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Pediatric Surgery International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Anal canal duplication is an extremely rare abnormality. Two cases in children are reported; in both cases, the orifice of the duplicate tubular structure was located just behind the normal anus and ran along the posterior side of the anal canal without communication with the anorectum. Complete removal of the duplication was performed through a perineal approach. Histology revealed a squamous lining with a smooth-muscle component around the cavity, with mucus-secreting transitional epithelium. Anal ducts with apocrine secretion and lymphocyte infiltration were also observed. The postoperative clinical courses were uneventful with satisfactory anal function. We collected nine similar cases from the literature. The term “anal canal duplication” is proposed based on common clinical features and pathology.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  1. Aaronson I (1970) Anterior sacral meningocele, anal canal duplication cyst and covered anus occurring in one family. J Pediatr Surg 5: 559–563

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Abrami G, Dennison W (1960) Duplication of the stomach. Surgery 49: 794–801

    Google Scholar 

  3. Adachi Y, Akiyama H, Takamatsu H, Noguchi K, Tahara H, Fukushige T, Kaji T, Shimono R, Mukai M (1991) A case of anal duplication (in Japanese). J Jap Soc Pediatr Surg 27: 1241

    Google Scholar 

  4. Arai T, Miyano T, Tanno M, Kohno S, Hamasaki Y (1990) Tubular anal duplication — experiences with two cases. Z Kinderchir 45: 311–313

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Bremer JL (1944) Diverticula and duplication of the intestinal tract. Arch Pathol 38: 132–140

    Google Scholar 

  6. Currarino G, Coln D, Votteler T (1981) Triad of anorectal, sacral, and presacral anomalies. A J R 137: 395–398

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Downing R, Thompson H, Alexander-Williams J (1978) Adenocarcinoma arising in a duplication cyst. Br J Surg 137: 572–574

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Dukes CE, Galvin C (1956) Colloid carcinoma arising within fistula in the anorectal region. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 18: 246–261

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Emery JA, Campbell JR, Hodges CV (1974) Duplication of the hindgut: low male imperforate anus and unilateral exstrophy of the bladder. J Urology 112: 532–535

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Gross RE, Holcomb GW Jr., Farber S (1952) Duplications of the alimentary tract. Pediatrics 9: 449–468

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hata Y, Sato K, Ikeda Y, Uchino J (1978) Duplication of the rectum and/or anal canal. J Jap Soc Pediatr Surg 14: 105–109

    Google Scholar 

  12. Ishikawa M, Watarai Y, Kabasawa Y, Nakamura K, Iijima K, Kokubo T, Okamatsu T (1994) A case of anal canal duplication. J Jap Soc Pediatr Surg 30: 1343–1347

    Google Scholar 

  13. Lewis FT, Thyng FW (1908) The regular occurrence of intestinal diverticula in embryos of the pig, rabbit, and man. Am J Anatomy 7: 505–519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Ogawa T, Hasegawa S, Hirai Y, Sato M, Kitamura N (1984) A neonatal case of anal duplication associated with congenital anal stenosis. Jap J Pediatr Surg 16: 237–241

    Google Scholar 

  15. Ravitch MM (1953) Hindgut duplication — doubling of colon and genital urinary tracts. Ann Surg 137: 588–601

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Smith ED (1969) Duplication of the anus and genitourinary tract. Surgery 66: 909–921

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Van der Putte SO (1986) Normal and abnormal development of the anorectum. J Pediatr Surg 21: 434–440

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Veeneklaas GMH (1952) Pathogenesis of intrathoracic gastrogenic cysts. Am J Dis Child 83: 500–507

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Yatsuzuka S, Okamatsu T, Ishikawa M (1986) A case with Currarino's triad. Jap J Pediatr Surg 18: 1627–1638

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hamada, Y., Sato, M. & Hioki, K. Anal canal duplication in childhood. Pediatr Surg Int 11, 577–579 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00626072

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00626072

Key words

Navigation