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Rectovaginal fistula as a complication to a Bartholin gland excision
Emily Zoulek1, Deborah R Karp, G Willy Davila
1From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Health Partners, Muskegon, Michigan; and Section of Urogynecology/Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida.
Background:
Rectovaginal fistula is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease, obstetric trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation, and trauma. We present a rectovaginal fistula occurring after an excision of a Bartholin gland.
Case:
A healthy 43-year-old woman presented with flatus per vagina immediately after a Bartholin gland excision. She had a history of recurrent Bartholin abscess and had undergone multiple incision and drainage procedures of this cyst over the past 6 years. On rectovaginal examination, the patient was found to have a rectovaginal fistula and subsequently underwent successful transvaginal repair.
Conclusion:
Rectovaginal fistula can occur after excision of a Bartholin gland. This case report illustrates a rare and serious complication to a commonly performed gynecologic procedure.
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