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An aetiology for fistula in ano
1Department of Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Superficial peri-anal fistulas in infants are rare and successfully treated by surgical excision. Histology suggests these fistulas may be congenital due to abnormal epithelial lining.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Peri-anal fistulas are uncommon in infants.
- Congenital causes are suspected but rarely confirmed histologically.
Observation:
- Four cases of superficial peri-anal fistulas in early infancy were reported.
- All cases underwent successful complete surgical excision.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed abnormal epithelial linings (columnar, transitional) in three of the four fistulas.
- The presence of these inappropriate epithelia suggests a congenital origin.
Implications:
- This finding supports a congenital etiology for certain infant peri-anal fistulas.
- Early surgical intervention is effective for these conditions.