Repair of low anorectal anomalies in female patients: risk factors for wound dehiscence

Abstract

Background/purpose: Wound dehiscence after rectoperineal/vestibular fistulae repair may have adverse effects on the continence mechanism with delayed functional sequels. We report the incidence of wound complications following the sagittal anorectoplasty in a group of female patients, in addition to studying the effect of some possible risk factors.

Patients and methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted on female patients with rectoperineal or rectovestibular fistula operated during the period from January 2011 to December 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: group A (no dehiscence); group B (minor dehiscence); and group C (major dehiscence). Patients were compared regarding their age at the time of repair, the type of anorectal anomaly, the degree of dilation of the colon, and the prevalence of covering colostomy.

Results: The study included 63 female patients. Group A included 34 patients (those with no dehiscence, 52.4%), group B included 17 patients (minor wound dehiscence, 26.98%), and group C included 13 patients (major wound dehiscence, 20.6%). There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the studied risk factors.

Conclusion: With regard to the wound complications following the repair of rectoperineal/vestibular fistulae in the female patients, none of the studied risk factors appear to have a significant effect on the outcome.

Keywords: anterior sagittal anorectoplasty, colostomy, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, rectoperineal fistula, rectovestibular fistula, wound dehiscence