An acquired recto-perineal fistula as the outcome of sacrococcygeal teratoma treatment

Introduction. An acquired recto-perineal fistula in childhood is a quite rare pathology. One of its main causes is trauma of the perineal part of the rectum and anal canal. That is why, acquired rectoperineal fistulas most often develop after the correction of Hirschsprung’s disease and anorectal malformations.

Material and methods. The publication presents a rare case of a newborn child with recurrent course of an acquired rectoperineal fistula which developed after sacrococcygeal teratoma treatment. The teratoma was removed when the child was 3 days old. The surgery was complicated with suture dehiscence in the rectal wall defect. After suturing, a separate sigmostoma was placed. At the age of 6 months, the sigmostoma was closed, but after a few days, fistulas were found in the area of drainage and postoperative scar, which required sigmostoma restoration. After the prescribed therapy, the fistulas were obliterated; the stoma was closed again. In 2 weeks, child’s general condition deteriorated, and newly appeared fistulas were noted. It was decided to perform demucosation of the disconnected rectum above the level of anal sphincter and to make fistula through drainage via the rectum lumen.

Conclusion. Acquired recto-perineal fistulas in childhood is a rare recurrent disease. Though postoperative complications were detected in time, authors could not get independent closure of the fistula, despite numerous interventions. In fact, only the rectum extirpation allowed to separate the fistulous tract from the intestinal lumen. This type of intervention is considered a quite rare one; usually, such complication can be eliminated in a less radical way.