**11. Comparative aspects of atresia ani**

Anorectal malformations represent a wide spesctrum of disorders in boys and girls associated with urogenital tract, sacral or spinal defects. These defects are grouped in anatomic categories sharing similar prognosis and management. Treatment of these anorectal malformations aims at anatomical reconstruction, diagnosis and treatment of any associated defects and provides patients with good quality of life by addressing the functional sequelae of these malformations (Pena & Hong, 2000). The most common defect in males include imperforate anus with rectourethral fistula; some of these fistulas are associated with good quality muscles, well developed sacrum and anal dimple whereas some others are related with poor quality muscles, abnormally developed sacrum and hardly visible dimple. The most common defect in females is rectovestibular fistula and this anomaly has excellent functional prognosis (Levitt & Penna, 2005). About 75% of the patients with anorectal malformations will pass voluntary bowel motions and enjoy a good quality of life postoperatively, while constipation urinary and fecal incontinence are common complications following anorectal reconstruction (Pena & Hong, 2000).
