[New technique for surgical treatment of enterovaginal fistula]

Enterovaginal fistulas most frequently occur following abdominal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and radiation therapy. There is a tendency for spontaneous closure, although a surgical intervention is necessary in more than 50% of the cases. Mortality is between 15-25%. The quality of life is significantly worsened by an enterovaginal fistula of a patient already suffering from a malignant disease. To relieve the patient from her distressing situation a mucous fistula was constructed by exclusion of the small bowel loop participating in the formation of the fistula track. Bowel continuity was restored by anastomosis. The patient's quality of life improved significantly. This operation was performed in three cases without complications. We recommend this procedure as an alternative technique to improve our patients' quality of life.