-------------------------------------------V.A.C.T.E.R.L. (V.A.T.E.R)
VATER or VACTERL is an acronym used to describe a number of congenital disorders that are present at birth. If 3 of these ailments are present, then the term VATER or VACTERL is USED.
So what do the letters mean?
| V | VERTEBRAE | Hemivertibrae or small vertibrae |
| A | ANUS | Imperforate Anus or Anal Atresia, or an anus that does not open to the outside of the body. |
| C | CARDIAC | Variety of Congenital Heart Problems such as Ventricular Septal Defect, some may require surgery. |
| T | TRACHEA | Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula - a connective tube present between the esophagus and Trachea |
| E | ESOPHAGUS | Esophageal Atresia - obstruction of the esophagus or incomplete esophagus |
| R | RENAL | severe or incomplete problems affecting one or both kidneys |
| L | LIMBS | Absent or displaced thumbs, Extra digits, fusion of digits, forearm bone defects |
