HIV-positive African children with rectal fistulae

Abstract

Background/purpose: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is an increasingly common infection in children in sub-Sahara Africa. Rectal fistulation is one such condition with which these patients present to the paediatric surgeon. This appeared to be an exclusively female condition until 2 male patients were treated recently.

Methods: A 6-year (1996 through 2001) retrospective study found 39 children presenting with HIV-related rectal fistulae. Thirty-seven girls were seen with rectovaginal fistulae (RVF), and there is supportive documentation showing an increase in this condition throughout Southern Africa. Until now, boys have not been described with this condition. The author presents 2 boys who complete this spectrum of HIV-related acquired rectal fistulae.

Results: All patients were found to have rectal fistula at the dentate line. In girls it varied in size from pin-point to 5 mm diameter, tracking anteriorly into the vagina. When closure of the fistula was attempted, it broke down. The 2 boys had a large fistula, which tracked to the prostatic urethra on the right of the verumontanum. The first patient underwent a successful repair. The second patient had a "Y"-shaped fistula based at the dentate line, with the second limb passing into the bladder. The parents refused further treatment and took the child home.

Conclusions: HIV disease affects increasing numbers of children. A spectrum of rectal fistulae now has been seen in both girls and boys. These acquired rectal fistulae arise at the dentate line in both genders. Girls with these fistulae are seen more commonly, presenting with RVF. The closure of a fistula has only been successful in one boy.