Anastomotic-vaginal fistula after colorectal surgery

The most feared complication of anterior and low anterior resection is anastomotic dehiscence. Although most leakages remain clinically silent, some may lead to formation of a colovaginal fistula. At the Lahey Clinic Medical Center, the records of nine patients with colovaginal fistula as a complication of colorectal surgery were reviewed to determine clinical characteristics and optimal management. The mean age was 63.7 years (range, 47-72 years). The initial indications for surgery were carcinoma of the rectum (n = 4), diverticular disease (n = 3), and closure of the colostomy after Hartmann's procedure (n = 2). Hysterectomy had been performed earlier in seven patients (78 percent). The end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapling device was used in five patients, and four patients had a handsewn anastomosis. The fistula developed within 23 days after surgery and usually originated within 8 cm of the anal verge. Two patients underwent immediate diverting transverse colostomy. None of the seven patients who were initially managed medically had spontaneous closure of the fistula. High fistulas were successfully treated by colorectal resection in two patients, whereas low fistulas healed after transanal repair without colostomy in two patients. These results suggest that previous hysterectomy predisposes to development of a colovaginal fistula after colorectal surgery. Not all patients require fecal diversion. Colorectal resection for high fistulas and transanal repair for low fistulas appear to be viable options for treatment.