Traditional Remedy Gone Wrong: A Case of Rectovaginal Fistula in an Infant Due to Cultural Healing Practices.

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Názov: Traditional Remedy Gone Wrong: A Case of Rectovaginal Fistula in an Infant Due to Cultural Healing Practices.
Autori: Said NI; College of Health Science, School of Medicine, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia; Deparmental of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Alaaleh Hospital, Borama, Somalia., Said AI; College of Health Science, School of Medicine, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia., Koshin AM; College of Health Science, School of Medicine, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia., Said NI; College of Health Science, School of Medicine, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia., Elmi HSA; Department of Biology, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia; Faculty of Science Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Electronic address: rabiic23@amoud.edu.so.
Zdroj: Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology [J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol] 2025 Dec; Vol. 38 (6), pp. 739-742. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Jul 01.
Spôsob vydávania: Case Reports; Journal Article
Jazyk: English
Informácie o časopise: Publisher: Elsevier Science Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9610774 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-4332 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 10833188 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: <2001->: New York : Elsevier Science
Original Publication: Philadelphia, PA : Chapman & Hall, 1996-
Výrazy zo slovníka MeSH: Rectovaginal Fistula*/etiology , Rectovaginal Fistula*/surgery , Rectovaginal Fistula*/diagnosis , Constipation*/therapy , Medicine, Traditional*/adverse effects, Humans ; Female ; Infant ; Somalia/ethnology ; Fecal Incontinence/etiology
Abstrakt: Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to the content, authorship, or publication of this manuscript.
Background: Traditional medicine remains prevalent in Somali culture, often influencing healthcare decisions. One such practice involves inserting solid salt ("Cusbo") into the anus to treat constipation. While commonly believed to be safe, this practice may contribute to severe complications, such as rectovaginal fistula (RVF).
Case Presentation: A 1-year, 6-month-old female presented with persistent stool incontinence for 1 year. History revealed prolonged constipation treated with repeated salt insertions per traditional healing practices. Over time, the mother observed stool passage through the vagina, leading to medical evaluation. A dye test confirmed a midvaginal RVF. Surgical repair was performed using a transvaginal approach, with successful postoperative recovery.
Discussion: RVF typically results from obstructed labor, gynecological surgery, or malignancy, with foreign body insertion being a rare cause. Cultural remedies, such as salt insertion, may contribute to fistula formation, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive education. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and imaging, with surgical intervention often required.
Conclusion: This case underscores the impact of traditional practices on health outcomes. While cultural beliefs shape healthcare behaviors, awareness and education are essential in preventing complications. Clinicians must remain vigilant in recognizing such cases and ensuring timely intervention.
(Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Constipation; Rectovaginal fistula (RVF); Somali culture; Traditional medicine
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20250703 Date Completed: 20251122 Latest Revision: 20251122
Update Code: 20251123
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2025.06.004
PMID: 40609675
Databáza: MEDLINE
Popis
Abstrakt:Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to the content, authorship, or publication of this manuscript.<br />Background: Traditional medicine remains prevalent in Somali culture, often influencing healthcare decisions. One such practice involves inserting solid salt ("Cusbo") into the anus to treat constipation. While commonly believed to be safe, this practice may contribute to severe complications, such as rectovaginal fistula (RVF).<br />Case Presentation: A 1-year, 6-month-old female presented with persistent stool incontinence for 1 year. History revealed prolonged constipation treated with repeated salt insertions per traditional healing practices. Over time, the mother observed stool passage through the vagina, leading to medical evaluation. A dye test confirmed a midvaginal RVF. Surgical repair was performed using a transvaginal approach, with successful postoperative recovery.<br />Discussion: RVF typically results from obstructed labor, gynecological surgery, or malignancy, with foreign body insertion being a rare cause. Cultural remedies, such as salt insertion, may contribute to fistula formation, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive education. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and imaging, with surgical intervention often required.<br />Conclusion: This case underscores the impact of traditional practices on health outcomes. While cultural beliefs shape healthcare behaviors, awareness and education are essential in preventing complications. Clinicians must remain vigilant in recognizing such cases and ensuring timely intervention.<br /> (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
ISSN:1873-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2025.06.004