Fistula-in-ano: an uncommon cause of chronic vulvar symptoms.

BACKGROUND

Rectal and anal fistulae are frequently missed diagnoses. Symptoms of fistula-in-ano may mimic other chronic vulvar conditions.

CASES: Three patients presented with chronic symptoms including nonhealing ulcer, pruritus, dyspareunia, and discharge for 6-18 months. High clinical suspicion and rectal examination with concomitant perineal probing was useful in making a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of fistula-in-ano was made, surgical correction was successful.

CONCLUSION

When evaluating persistent vulvar problems, the clinician's differential diagnoses should include less common causes. The goals of treatment for fistula-in-ano should be to eliminate the nidus of infection and to preserve the anal sphincter during the repair.