Treatment of rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection with endoscopic stenting: long-term results

To treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after anterior resection for cancer using self-expanding metal stents.

Ten patients of mean age of 56.3 years with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer were treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent. In three patients a diverting proximal stoma had been performed elsewhere. The rectal opening of the fistula was located from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge (mean 6 cm). All patients had preoperative radiotherapy. In seven patients the stent was placed as the initial treatment while three referred patients had had multiple failed operations.

There were no complications after the procedure. At a mean follow-up of 24 months the rectovaginal fistula has healed without major faecal incontinence in eight patients. In the remaining two the fistula has reduced significantly in size to allow a successful flap transposition.

Endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent is a valid adjunct to treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer.