Management of sexual assault-related large rectovaginal fistula in an eight-year-old

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2011 Apr;24(2):e39-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2010.11.009. Epub 2010 Dec 28.

Abstract

Rectovaginal fistula may be a complication sexual assault in children. Management of these cases could be daunting with possibilities of significant psychological and physical morbidity. An eight-year-old girl presented with vulvar fecal leakage from a large rectovaginal fistula two weeks after sexual assault. The child was managed by initial diverting colostomy and the fistula repair was carried out via a posterior sagittal approach. This report highlights significance of initial thorough evaluation in cases with suspected traumatic rectovaginal fistula, and demonstrates benefits of posterior sagittal approach in the definitive treatment of large-sized fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal / surgery
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual*
  • Colostomy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / etiology*
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / surgery*
  • Rectum / surgery
  • Urogenital Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Vagina / surgery