[Recto-vaginal fistulae: causes, treatment, results (author's transl)]

Among recto-vaginal fistulae in 41 patients 22 were due to radiotherapy, 6 to inflammatory disease, 4 occurred as a postoperative complication and 9 were carcinomatous fistulous tracts. Passage of stool or air per vaginam is a pathognomonic sign. The fistula can usually be diagnosed by routine gynaecological examination. Barium enema, barium meal with follow-through or colpography often demonstrate the fistula. Except for a few cases in which the fistula closes spontaneously (most frequently those which occur postoperatively), treatment is surgical. Intestinal resection is often necessary in the inflammatory fistulae and those after radiotherapy. In fistulae due to carcinoma colostomy will improve symptoms: radical removal of the tumour is rarely possible. 31 of the 44 women are cured, while in two a fistula has persisted.