Spontaneous scrotal faecal fistula in infants

Two infants aged 29 and 43 days, respectively, presented with a spontaneous scrotal faecal fistula from a strangulated inguinal hernia. There was associated necrotising fasciitis of the scrotum in both patients, but the testes were spared. Resection and anastomosis along with debridement of the scrotal fasciitis was successful in both cases. This complication is rare: only three other cases have been reported in the world literature. The complication appears to occur mainly in developing countries, and is the result of late presentation. The principle of early referral and repair of childhood inguinal hernias should reduce this complication and the attendant morbidity and mortality.