Definition:

Persistent cloaca is an uncommon congenital anomaly in which there is a single perineal opening for the urinary, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts. It is the most severe form of anorectal malformation encountered in girls. The incidence is approximately 1 in 50,000 live births. Persistent cloaca results from abnormal development of the cloacal membrane before 50 days post fertilization. In addition to a single perineal opening, secondary urogenital or gastrointestinal anomalies are often associated with persistent cloaca. Moreover, anomalies of other organ systems such as cardiac or skeletal malformations are known to coexist. The common channel of persistent cloaca varies from 1 cm to 10 cm. Those cases with a common channel longer than 3 cm are predicted with the higher incidence of complications. For patients with a common channel greater than 3 cm, a laparotomy is usually required.