OPERATION FOR ANAL ATRESIA, 



443 



case, or if it extends only partially through the pelvic cavity, 

 there is. no help. It is only when the skin alone remains im- 

 perforate that surgical relief can be successfully afforded..The 



Fig. 227 — Inoperable Anal Atresia. (Bayer.)] 



congenital defect exists in variable degrees of extensiveness. 

 The rectum may end in the vagina, in the bladder, in the 

 urethra, or at the meatus urinarius by various cloacal ar- 



Fig. 228 — Operable Anal Atresia. 



rangements ; it may end in a blind extremity at any point in 

 the pelvic cavity with impervious connective tissue interven- 

 ing between the blind end and the undeveloped anus; it may 



