This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Perineal(cutaneous) fistula

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Patients with imperforate anus and a perineal, cutaneous fistula have the opening of the latter situated between external genitalia and the site of the external anal sphincter.

Perineal inspection reveals:

  • a 'bucket handle' skin tag
  • a meconium-filled, black subepithelial area representing the fistula
  • an anal dimple

Repair in both sexes involves a minimal posterior sagittal anoplasty at 3-4 months of age. The rectum is partially dissected and then moved to the region of the external sphincter. The formation of a protective colostomy is not required.

Prognosis for return of function is excellent, but intermittent constipation remains a residual problem in most cases. It is treated prophylactically.

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page