Question
My daughter was born with anal atresia, and feces are expelled through the vaginal orifice. We urgently need to correct this with surgery. Can her symptoms be restored to normal through surgery? Where can this surgery be performed? What are the risks? We are in dire need of your assistance!!! Thank you!
Answer
Hello: Surgery can restore the condition. There is no significant risk, and general plastic surgery departments in third-level hospitals can perform the procedure. For congenital rectovaginal fistula in children, if there are no difficulties in defecation and other complications, early surgery is not necessary, and it can be considered after the age of 5. There are many surgical methods for rectovaginal fistula, with surgical approaches ranging from abdominal perineal repair to perineal repair. Given the complex etiology, diverse types, and high rates of postoperative infection and recurrence, as well as the difficulty of repeat surgeries, 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 operation.