Question
Is it possible to perform surgery for pediatric vaginal fistula? Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Born with anal atresia, feces are excreted from the vaginal orifice. We urgently need to correct this condition through surgery. Can this symptom be restored to normal through surgery? Where can this surgery be performed? What are the risks? We are eagerly looking forward to your assistance!!! Thank you!
Answer
Surgery can restore the condition. There are no major risks, and general plastic surgery departments in level three hospitals can perform this surgery. For congenital rectovaginal fistula in children, if there is no difficulty in defecation and other complications, early surgery is not necessary, and surgery should be considered after the age of 5. There are many surgical methods for rectovaginal fistula, and the surgical approaches are divided into abdominal perineal repair and perineal repair. Perineal repair can be further divided into vaginal repair and rectal repair. Considering the complex etiology, diverse types, high rates of postoperative infection and recurrence, and the difficulty of repeated surgery, it is best to have a successful surgery in one attempt. The success of the surgery depends not only on the choice of surgical technique but also on the timing of the surgery.