What is imperforate anus with fistula?

Imperforate anus is a rare inborn abnormality characterized by the absence or abnormal localization of the anus. The rectum or the colon may be connected to the vagina or the bladder by a tunnel (fistula). With surgical correction, normal elimination can become possible.

Can you be born with a rectovaginal fistula?

A congenital recto-vaginal fistula is a rare type of ARM characterized by the abnormal connection of the rectum to the vagina. This results in the potential of passing gas or feces through the vagina as it leaks through the fistula.

How do you treat imperforate anus?

To treat imperforate anus, surgery will be performed to create an opening, or new anus, to allow stool to pass. The surgery may differ, depending on whether the anus ends high or low in the pelvis.

What is the cause of imperforate anus?

Although the exact cause of Imperforate anus is not fully understood, it is believed to be due to the abnormal development of the rectum when the embryo is forming inside the womb. Many forms of Imperforate anus occur with other birth defects. Imperforate anus may also be part of a syndrome with multiple birth defects.

What is a Rectovesical fistula?

A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the lower portion of your large intestine — your rectum — and your vagina. Bowel contents can leak through the fistula, allowing gas or stool to pass through your vagina.

Is imperforate anus an emergency?

In this condition, little or no feces can leave your child’s anus. This is a serious problem because waste products will keep building up in your child’s body. There are different types of imperforate anus. Your child can have an anus that’s missing, very narrow, or blocked by a thin membrane.

Can you live with a fistula without surgery?

Fistula tracts must be treated because they will not heal on their own. There is a risk of developing cancer in the fistula tract if left untreated for a long period of time. Most fistulas are simple to treat. Either the tract or fistula can be opened or the tract and the pocket inside are completely removed.

Can imperforate anus be fixed?

Most infants with imperforate anus will need surgery to fix the problem. A common repair is a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). It’s done when the surgeon knows the location of the organs in the abdomen and where the rectum ends.

Can fistula be treated without surgery?

What is the best treatment for fistula? “There is no fistula treatment without surgery as the fistula cannot heal on its own,” said Dr. Bajaj.

Can you live with fistula?

Although fistulas are associated with IBD, they can occur several years before the condition is diagnosed. While rarely life-threatening, fistulas can decrease people’s quality of life and often need combined medical and surgical treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of imperforate anus?

Symptoms of Imperforate Anus

• The opening to the anus is missing or not in the usual place. In girls, it may be near the vagina.
• No passage of poop within a day or 2 of birth.
• Passing poop through another opening, like the urethra in boys or vagina in girls.
• Swollen belly.

Are fistulas life threatening?