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Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Cloaca
Living a full life with cloaca
Our pediatric experts can tell families a lot about their baby's anorectal malformation and the treatments to come. One thing they can't tell them: how they will feel.
That's why we've connected a family just diagnosed with an anorectal malformation with a family who's been there — to answer questions, to shed light and to offer hope — from diagnosis to surgery to recovery. These conversations heal. Watch them on the following pages.
Meet the families
Our new family
Gabriela and Adrian found out their baby, Allison, would be born with cloaca when they were 26 weeks pregnant. After hearing this news, they were scared. Allison will soon have reconstructive surgery and they're worried about things like how much pain she'll be in. They don't know what to expect.
Our experienced family
At 23 weeks of pregnancy, Sandy and Karsang found out their baby, Tashi, had cloaca, a type of anorectal malformation. Tashi was born early and needed a colostomy and drainage of fluid that was building up in her abdomen. Seven months later, she had reconstructive surgery. Now she is a vibrant 2-year-old.
The cloaca journey
Diagnosis and decisions
It's never easy to learn that your child will be born with a serious condition that requires surgery and life-long management. Learn how our families have managed their cloaca diagnosis and the journey that lies ahead.
Repair and treatment
Children born with cloaca will need several surgeries to treat the condition and reconstruct their anatomy. Our experienced family talks about their daughter's surgeries and how their family has managed through it all.
Living with cloaca
With the right treatment and support, children born with an anorectal malformation can lead healthy, productive lives. One family shares how this experience has made them all stronger and offers advice for other families about to go through their journey.
"Watching Tashi grow up like any other normal baby – swinging, biking, swimming – feels wonderful. I don't take those things for granted at any given time."Karsang, Tashi's father
Additional patient resources
Read other inspiring stories about patients born with an anorectal malformation and how they persevered.
Our International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care is home to world-renowned surgeons, Alberto Peña, MD, and Andrea Bischoff, MD.
We’ve compiled helpful information, videos and links related to complex colorectal conditions and information about our support programs for families.
Partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine
Children's Hospital Colorado partners with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where many of our physicians and care providers serve as faculty.