[High colonic-vaginal fistulas]

In this paper, the authors present the definition, etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and preparations for the surgical treatment of colovaginal fistulas. A ten year experience with 11 female patients with colovaginal fistulas divided according to the causes is reviewed. The fistulas commonly resulted from the surgical treatment, radiotherapy, parturition injuries and Crohn's disease. In the discussion, each group is evaluated with respect to the therapeutic procedure giving some general remarks on this rare clinical condition. Besides the surgical treatment of the fistula, in most cases, the contemporary colostomy is required.