How to treat anal fistula in infants and children

  Infantile fistulas are characterized by the highest incidence within the first three months of life, with natural healing in early childhood, but easy recurrence in adolescence, a history of diarrhea before onset, 89.2% occurring at 3 and 9 points between the two sides of the anus, and 94% having 1-2 fistulas, single-tube, shallow in nature, with direct opening in the anal fossa; they are more common in male infants.  Infant anal fistula etiology: the age of onset is the weakest period of intestinal immune function. The absence or reduction of sIgA secretion from the mucosa of the rectum and anal canal in early life is the cause of local immune insufficiency of the intestine. sIgA is the main component of local immunity in the newborn intestine. The amount of sIgA contained in breast milk is relatively high and decreases later, and Gu is susceptible to morbidity after the decrease.  Infant anal fistula treatment: Infant anal fistulas have a tendency to heal on their own and are generally treated conservatively, but when recurrent episodes affect the normal development of the child, surgery is required. However, there are two difficulties in the surgical treatment of infantile fistulas compared to adult fistulas. The anal sphincter of infants is not yet well developed, and a slightly larger surgical incision can easily lead to anal incontinence or defect; secondly, infants are often uncooperative in changing medication after surgery, which often leads to the spread of inflammation or the formation of pseudo-healing due to improper medication changes.  Conclusion: The complexity of the pathogenesis determines the diversity of clinical manifestations of complex anal fistulas. The diversity of treatment methods, however, leads to a lack of standardization. Therefore, the most appropriate method of anal fistula treatment is the best one!