What is VATER/VACTERL?
Vater is an acronym which describes a wide range of anatomical birth defects. Each letter in the word VATER or VACTERL represents a different diagnosis. Here is a short synopsis of what the letters represent:
V – vertebral abnormalities (examples: extra ribs, bifid vertebrae)
A – anal anomalies (examples: imperforate anus, urinogenitary anomalies)
C – cardiac, or heart, abnormalities (examples: Atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, holes in the heart, missing arteries such as the pulmonary artery.
TE – tracheo-esophageal anomalies (examples: esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophagus attaches to the trachea)
R – renal [kidney] anomalies (examples: missing kidney, horseshoe kidney, multiple kidneys)
L
– limb abnormalities (examples: radial bone abnormalities, missing bones in the arm or arms, missing finger, missing bones in the leg and/or toes) Some pediatricians and researchers are now referring to VATER as VACTERL
association. The C has been added to reflect cardiac defects (congenital heart anomalies), and the L represents limb for radial limb dysplasia and other limb deformities. Do all
of these diagnoses apply to my child? Not necessarily. Although some children are diagnosed with the full spectrum of VATER/VACTERL, many children are diagnosed with a few or only one of the defects. Consult with
your doctor if you have questions relating to your child's diagnosis. What can be done for my child? Surgery to repair or to improve some anatomical defects is available. Depending on the nature or extent of the
birth defect(s), surgery many be performed immediately after birth or later as the child develops and/or gains weight. Consult with your pediatrician or pediatric surgeon if you have questions regarding specific
surgical interventions.
 |