Living with Rectal duplication
A rare condition present from birth in which a mucus-filled pouch forms next to the rectum.
Understanding Rectal duplication
The mass is lined with intestinal tissue and smooth muscle. Most are found behind the rectum, where they connect to or touch it. It usually shows up in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these features:
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Stomach and bowel infections (gastroenteritis)
- Bowel blockage
- Rectal bleeding
- Mucus or pus draining from the anus
- Infection around the anus
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says gene changes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene or describe inheritance yet.
Also known as: congenital duplication of rectum
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Rectal duplication.
Explore research for Rectal duplication
Explore actively recruiting Rectal duplication studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Rectal duplication with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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