Rectovaginal fistula: management by intravenous feeding and surgical repair

Two patients, each with a large rectovaginal fistula, were managed successfully by intravenous feeding and surgical repair of their fistulae. Intravenous feeding eliminated the need for food from the gastrointestinal tract, thus minimizing the fecal flow. Both fistulae healed following surgical repair. Neither patient required a diverting colostomy.