Life outcomes of being born with anorectal malformation: a systematic review of intersectional reporting, mental health co-morbidities, and psychosocial experiences in adulthood

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Rane, Eloise
Bloom, Julia
Chan, Carys
Harris, Paul
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2026
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Abstract

PURPOSE: Anorectal malformations exist across a spectrum of abnormalities involving the rectum, distal anus, genital and urinary tracts, and occur in approximately one in 5,000 live births. The purpose of this study was to investigate intersectional reporting, mental health co-morbidities, and psychosocial experiences of adults born with anorectal malformation. METHODS: A systematic quantitative literature review was utilized to collect and analyze data. Articles were required to discuss population demographics, mental health comorbidities, or psychosocial experiences associated with anorectal malformation in adulthood. A total of 94 articles were found suitable for review. RESULTS: Patient ethnicity, culture, sexuality, and spirituality were significantly underrepresented. Mental health co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression were discussed but rarely transitioned to intervention. Psychological challenges included psychosexual anxiety and limited professional knowledge. Sociological challenges included navigating health services and social settings. Literature prioritized continence outcomes that diminished psychosocial complexities. CONCLUSIONS: The intersectionality, mental health concerns, and psychosocial experiences of adults born with anorectal malformation remain largely unknown. Allied health professionals such as social workers can improve ongoing support provision, with interventions that enhance psychosocial functioning and emotional wellbeing.

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Pediatric Surgery International

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42

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© The Author(s) 2026. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

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Clinical sciences

Paediatrics

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Rane, E; Bloom, J; Chan, C; Harris, P, Life outcomes of being born with anorectal malformation: a systematic review of intersectional reporting, mental health co-morbidities, and psychosocial experiences in adulthood, Pediatric Surgery International, 2026, 42, pp. 106

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