Fistula-in-Ano with Broomsticks: An Unusual Etiology

Fistula-in-ano is caused by idiopathic infection of the cryptoglands located in the anal intersphincteric plane when the resultant cryptoglandular abscess drains internally and externally. It is a common surgical disease that responds well to surgical intervention. In cases of recurrent non-healing fistula-in-ano, an underlying cause should be suspected and searched for. We present a 29-year-old man who had recurrent complex fistula-in-ano caused by broomsticks of an unknown source. Fistulotomy, tactile wound exploration, extraction of the broomsticks, and wound debridement were done. The wound healed well by secondary intention. Few cases of recurrent complex fistula-in-ano had been reported in the literature. However, this is the first time to the best of our knowledge that broomsticks causing non-healing, complex fistula-in-ano that is being reported. We suggest the use of a bending machine instead of mashing broom bunch in the preparation of Ewedu soup which is a delicacy for the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria to eliminate the chances of inadvertent ingestion of broomsticks when eating Ewedu soup.