Overview

Cloacal Anomalies

A cloacal anomaly is an abnormality of the lower abdomen that happens while a fetus is developing in the womb.

The Northwestern Medicine Congenital Urology Program provides comprehensive treatment and for patients with cloacal anomalies.

There are many types of cloacal anomalies. The most common type occurs when the rectum, vagina and urethra of a female fetus do not separate into three different openings. Instead, they fuse together into a single channel with one opening.

Other conditions we treat:

• Imperforate anus: The rectum does not have an opening to the outside of the body
• Uterine anomalies
• Uterine didelphys: Two uteruses develop while the baby is in the womb
• Duplicated vagina: Two vaginas can also develop
• Hydrocolpos: The buildup of fluid in the vagina
• Lack of development in other female reproductive organs, the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries