Fistula-in-ano in children: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal connection between the inner surface of the anal canal and the perineal skin. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2010, seventeen patients with fistula-in-ano were surgically managed by a single surgeon within the University Pediatric Hospital and HIMA-San Pablo Hospital. RESULTS: There were 16 males and 1 female. The mean age at the time of operation was four years divided between infants (71%) and school children (29%). Fistulas were located on the midline right side in 5 patients, midline left side in 3 patients, midline bilaterally in 2 patients, in the anterior raphe in 4 patients and in the posterior raphe in 3 patients. Two patients of the infant group and two patients of the children group developed a perianal abscesses prior to the occurrence of fistula. All patients were managed with either fistulotomy or fistulectomy with six of them combined with Seton placement. There were no recurrence or complications. CONCLUSION: Fistulotomy is still considered the standard of care.