Treatment of rectovaginal fistula: a 5-year review

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2006 Feb;46(1):49-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2006.00514.x.

Abstract

This paper presents a chart review of 17 patients who had been treated for rectovaginal fistula (RVF) from 1996 to 2000. In most cases (13; 76.5%), the fistula was the result of post-surgical complications. Following vaginal mucosa advancement flap repair or repair after conversion to a fourth-degree perineal laceration, 16 (94%) of the rectovaginal fistulae (during the first attempted repair or after failed treatment) were successfully treated. In all patients but one, faecal diversion was avoided. In two patients, fistulography was both a diagnostic procedure and the method of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical Records
  • Middle Aged
  • Perineum / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / diagnosis
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / etiology
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / surgery*
  • Rectum / surgery
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing