A 41-year-old heterosexual African man was evaluated for persistent urethral discharge, pneumaturia and watery diarrhea. Radiographic and endoscopic procedures established the diagnosis of a rectourethral fistula. The differential diagnosis of an acquired rectourethral fistula and the significance of AIDS are discussed.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*complications ; Adult ; Case Report ; Diverticulum/*complications/diagnosis ; Human ; Male ; Rectal Fistula/*complications/diagnosis ; Urethral Diseases/*complications/diagnosis

Female ; Humans ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Rectovaginal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy

We report a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in the perianal soft tissue in association with chronic fistula-in-ano in a 43-year-old man who had a relapse of perianal pain and bloody discharge after six years of defaulted follow-up. He underwent magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography imaging with correct identification of the disease entity on imaging. Mesh-like septations and an enhancing solid component with high diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intermediate apparent diffusion coefficient signals were observed. He underwent abdominoperineal resection of the tumour but succumbed due to postoperative complications. Literature on the MR imaging features of this tumour remains scarce. We highlight the MR imaging features, including those seen on DWI, which were useful in making the correct diagnosis. Though uncommon, this would be an important condition to recognise since assessment of fistula-in-ano by MR imaging is considered to be the standard of care in current clinical practice. The clinical features of this entity are also briefly discussed.
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; complications ; diagnosis ; Adult ; Anus Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Chronic Disease ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Rectal Fistula ; complications ; diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

A clinical study was made of 14 cases of distal rectal cancer treated at the Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College, from January 1995 to April 1996. The patients were treated in a modified Thomas Jefferson program and received high doses of preoperative radiation followed by a sphincter saving procedure. The results are as follows: 1) There were 5 male patients (35.7%) and 9 female patients(64.3%). There was also a large number of patients in their 50s and 60s. 2) The preoperative pathologic type was a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. 3) Rectal bleeding was the most common symptom, followed by tenesmus, constipation, anal pain, and a tarry stool. 4) At diagnosis, the Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) system was used for the clinical stage of the patients. The clinical stage of disease showed a preponderance of T.J. stage I (10 patients), T.J stage II, III, and IV occurred in 2, 1, and 1 patient, respectively. 5) The most common site was 0-3 cm above dentate line (8 patients), followed by 4-6 cm (5 patients) and > 7 cm (1 patient) above the dentate line. 6) The complications after preoperative radiation therapy were diarrhea (3 patients) and perianal dermatitis (5 patients). 7) After preoperative radiation therapy, one case showed pathologic complete remission. 8) The procedure was a Transanal Abdominal TransAnal proctosigmoidectomy and coloanal anastomosis (TATA) in 11 patients, a low anterior resection in 1 patient, an abdominal perineal resection in 1 patient, and a colostomy in 1 patient. 9) The pathologic stage showed a preponderance of Duke's B2 and B1; 5 were B2, 4 were B1, 3 were C2, 1 was D, and 1 was O. 10) The postoperative complications after colostomy repair in TATA were frequent defecation, tenesmus, anal pain at defecation, and rectovaginal fistulas which subsided 3 months after colostomy repair.
Adenocarcinoma ; Colostomy ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Dermatitis ; Diagnosis ; Diarrhea ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Rectovaginal Fistula

Anal fistula is the most common perianal lesion in Crohn disease (CD), which usually is complicated and difficult to treat, and has a high recurrence rate and serious influence on the quality of life of patients. Inaccurate or incomplete intervention may result in irreversible damage. In order to achieve the best outcome, an optimal disease assessment is crucial. Many imaging modalities are useful for the evaluation of perianal fistulas in CD, which may help confirm the diagnosis, accurately classify the disease, plan the most suitable treatment, and monitor the efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and anal endosonography (AES) are considered to be the suitable options for evaluation of the initial perianal fistula, both in terms of sensitivity and specificity, while MRI is more suitable for monitoring the curative efficacy. Fistulography (by X ray or CT) is generally less applied due to inferior soft tissue performance, radiation exposure, etc. This paper reviews the various imaging modalities, analyzes their advantages and disadvantages in order to assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate examination individually.
Crohn Disease ; complications ; Endosonography ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multimodal Imaging ; Quality of Life ; Rectal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Crohn disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the entire digestive tract and non-perianal fistula is the most serious surgical complication of CD. The goal of treatment is to cure intestinal fistula and intra-abdominal infection, restore the continuity of digestive tract, reduce postoperative recurrence, and improve the quality of life. Evaluation of nutritional status, especially during perioperative period, is important and nutrition support for malnutritional CD patients is necessary. Full assessment of non-perianal fistula and promotion of self-healing is the principal treatment, and surgical drainage combined with enteral nutrition may be a feasible treatment. Trocar puncture with sump drain is recommended to control intra-abdominal abscess. Surgical treatment of enterocutaneous fistula, enteroenteric fistula, enterovesical fistula or enterogynaecological fistula should be considered if medical treatment, nutrition support and surgical drainage fail. Laparoscopic surgery is recommended for patients with mild adhesion of non-perianal fistulating CD. Postoperative medical treatment and risk assessment should be carried out to reduce postoperative recurrence of CD and fistula.
Abdominal Abscess ; etiology ; therapy ; Consensus ; Crohn Disease ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Drainage ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Rectal Fistula ; etiology ; therapy

Rectovestibular fistula is the most common type of anomaly found in a female newborn with anorectal malformation. However, when the baby is found to have two orifices in the introitus, rectovaginal fistula is much less common and suspected. The rare differential diagnosis of Müllerian agenesis, a condition in which the rectum shifts anteriorly and the vagina is absent, is seldom considered. In many cases, the diagnosis of Müllerian agenesis is made only during definitive anorectoplasty. In view of its impact on management, a proper examination under anaesthesia, imaging studies and a diagnostic laparoscopy may be required to confirm the presence or absence of Müllerian structures in such patients. We herein describe a patient with the rare coexistence of VACTERL association and Müllerian agenesis, and discuss the management of anorectal malformations in female patients with Müllerian agenesis.
Abnormalities, Multiple ; diagnosis ; Anal Canal ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Anorectal Malformations ; Anus, Imperforate ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Esophagus ; abnormalities ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; complications ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Kidney ; abnormalities ; Laparoscopy ; Limb Deformities, Congenital ; complications ; Mullerian Ducts ; abnormalities ; Rectal Fistula ; diagnosis ; Rectum ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Spine ; abnormalities ; Trachea ; abnormalities ; Vagina ; abnormalities

To elevate the clinical value of 3D-FLASH in the diagnosis of anal fistula and compare it with convertioned MR sequence, MR sequences, consisting of spin echo T1WI, turbo invertion recovery magnitude (TIRM), fast low-angle shot image (FLASH), mon-enhancement and enhancement substraction and coronary reconstructing, was conducted in 15 cases suspected of anal fistula. Comparison was made among the three sequences in display rate of internal fistula, external fistula, the branch of fistule connulas. Our results showed that 1 patient had perianal abscess. 24 different anal fistulas were identified in 14 patients, and 10 of them was complicated with perianal abscess and 8 of them with complex multi-branch fistula. The display rate of 3D-FLASH sequence was much higher than those of T1WI and TIRM in all cases. It is concluded that 3D-FLASH sequence is an senstive and time-efficient technique for the diagnosis of anal fistula.
Abscess ; diagnosis ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anus Diseases ; diagnosis ; Colonic Diseases ; complications ; diagnosis ; Colonography, Computed Tomographic ; methods ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; Rectal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo determine the indications of colonoscopic screening for Crohn's disease in patients with fistula-in-ano.

METHODSClinical data of 302 patients with perianal fistula who received colonoscopy examination from January 2010 to December 2013 in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed retrospectively. Parameters for differentiating perianal Crohn's disease from nonspecific fistulae were screened by logistic regression analysis. A regression mathematical model was established for the prediction of perianal Crohn's disease.

RESULTSA total of 302 patients received colonoscopy examination, and Crohn's disease was found in 16 patients (CD group). Results of univariate analysis on 26 parameters of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiological examination revealed that differences in 11 clinical parameters between the CD group and non-CD group were statistically significant(all P<0.05), including age, BMI, abdominal pain, non-specific symptoms, multiple fistula, complex anal fistula, neutrophil count, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, hemoglobin concentration and serum albumin concentration. Multivariate analysis revealed that age≤40 years (OR=14.464, 95% CI: 1.143-183.053, P=0.039), BMI<24.0 kg/m(OR=8.220, 95% CI:1.005-67.200, P=0.049), abdominal pain (OR=13.148, 95% CI: 1.110-155.774, P=0.041), complex anal fistula (OR=7.056, 95% CI:1.166-42.688, P=0.033) and elevated platelet count (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.004-1.0194, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for discovery of Crohn's disease by colonoscopy. Area under the ROC curve of the regression mathematical model based on factors mentioned above was 0.921, indicating that the model was highly predictive. The sensitivity and specificity of this model was 81.3% and 86.7% respectively when the optimal diagnostic cut-off point was established at 0.856.

CONCLUSIONSParameters that predict Crohn's disease in patients with perianal fistula include age, BMI, abdominal pain, classification of fistula and platelet count. Colonoscopy is recommended for patients at high risk.

Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Body Mass Index ; Colonoscopy ; Crohn Disease ; blood ; complications ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neutrophils ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Platelet Count ; ROC Curve ; Rectal Fistula ; blood ; complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors and clinical features of delayed anastomotic fistula (DAF) following sphincter-preserving operation for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinical data of 1 594 patients with rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-preserving operation in our department from January 2008 to May 2015 based on the prospective database of Dpartment of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty patients(3.8%) developed anastomotic fistula. Forty-one patients (2.6%) developed early anastomotic fistula (EAF) within 30 days after surgery while 19(1.2%) were DAF that occurred beyond 30 days. Univariate analyses were performed to compare the clinical features between EAF and DAF group.

RESULTSDAF was diagnosed at a median time of 194(30-327) days after anastomosis. As compared to EAF group, DAF group had lower tumor site [(6.1±2.3) cm vs. (7.8±2.8) cm, P=0.023], lower anastomosis site [(3.6±1.8) cm vs. (4.8±1.6) cm, P=0.008], higher ratio of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (84.2% vs. 34.1%, P=0.000), and receiving preventive stoma (73.7% vs. 14.6%, P=0.000). According to ISREC grading system for anastomotic fistula, DAF patients were grade A and B, while EAF cases were grade B and C(P=0.000). During the first hospital stay for anastomosis, DAF group did not have abdominal pain, general malaise, drainage abnormalities, peritonitis but 8 cases(42.1%) had fever more than 38centi-degree. In EAF group, 29 patients(70.7%) had abdominal pain and general malaise, and 29(70.7%) had drainage abnormalities. General or circumscribed peritonitis were developed in 25(61.0%) EAF patients, and fever occurred in 39(95.1%) EAF cases. There were 13(68.4%) cases with sinus or fistula formation and 9(47.4%) with rectovaginal fistula in DAF group, in contrast to 5 (12.2%) and 5 (12.2%) in EAF group respectively. In DAF group, 5 (26.3%) patients received follow-up due to stoma (no closure), 5 (26.3%) received bedside surgical drainage, while 9(47.4%) patients underwent operation, including diverting stoma in 3 patients, Hartmann procedure in 1 case, intersphincteric resection, coloanal anastomosis plus ileostomy in 1case because of pelvic fibrosis and stenosis of neorectum after radiotherapy, mucosal advancement flap repair with a cellular matrix interposition in 3 rectovaginal fistula cases, incision of sinus via the anus in 1 case. During a median follow-up of 28 months, 14(73.7%) DAF patients were cured.

CONCLUSIONSIt is advisable to be cautious that patients with lower site of tumor and anastomosis, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and preventive stoma are at risk of DAF. DAF is clinically silent and most patients can be cured by effective surgical treatment.

Anal Canal ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Anastomotic Leak ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Colostomy ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Ileostomy ; Length of Stay ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Organ Sparing Treatments ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Rectovaginal Fistula ; Rectum ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Surgical Flaps ; Surgical Stomas ; Treatment Outcome