Anal transposition without colostomy: functional results and complications

Abstract

Rectovestibular fistula (RVF) is the most common form of anorectal anomaly in female infants. In the surgical repair of these malformations, most pediatric surgeons use cutback, fistula transposition with or without colostomy, and lately, posterior anorectoplasty with colostomy. This is a retrospective evaluation of the functional results and complications in 47 patients who underwent fistula transposition without colostomy for the treatment of a RVF. We prefer to perform the operation when the rectovaginal septum is amenable to dissection (width >2 mm). All patients had voluntary bowel movements; 28 (60%) had completely normal bowel habits, 45 (96%) good and only 2 (4%) fair. We did not encounter serious surgical complications such as infection dehiscence, and fistula recurrence. We thus prefer anal transposition without colostomy to other modes of surgical therapy for RVF.