Patient's question:
AgeDetailed medical condition and consultation purpose: At birth, she had anorectal atresia, and her bowel movements were excreted through the vaginal opening. Currently, she urgently needs surgery to correct this condition. Could you please advise if her symptoms can be restored to normal through surgery? Where can such surgery be performed? Is it risky? I desperately hope for your help!!! Thank you!
First follow-up question: I hope the expert can provide more detailed guidance.
Doctor's answer:
Hello: It can be repaired through surgery. There is no significant risk, and it can be performed in plastic surgery departments of general level 3 hospitals. For congenital rectovaginal fistula in children, if there is no bowel dysfunction or other complications, early surgery may not be necessary. Surgery can be considered after the age of 5.There are many surgical methods for rectovaginal fistula. Only the surgical approach is divided into transabdominal perineal repair and perineal repair. Perineal repair can be further divided into transvaginal and transrectal repair. Given the complex etiology, diverse types, high rates of postoperative infection and recurrence, and the difficulty of revision surgery for rectovaginal fistula, it is best for the surgery to be successful on the first attempt. The success of the surgery depends not only on the choice of surgical technique but also on the selection of the optimal timing for the procedure.