Ectopic Urethral Anus in Rectourethral Fistula

Any genitourinary defect of embryologic origin should be studied meticulously for new information contributing to an understanding of the anomalies. Such studies are of value not only because of their simple addition to factual knowledge but also because of possible use of the acquired information in planning new surgical procedures and in evaluating the results of therapy. The case upon which this report is based is of particular interest in this respect, since it is the first proved example of an ectopic prostatic urethral anus.

Report of a Case  A white boy was born after seven months normal gestation. Thoracotomy was done the same day because of esophageal atresia. The child died a few hours afterward. At postmortem examination auricular and ventricular cardiac septal defects, a patent ductus arteriosus, and a fourthlumbar hemivertebra were found, in addition to the esophageal anomaly.There was an imperforate anus. The rectum terminated in