Rectovaginal fistula: initial experience

Rectovaginal fistulas are not common, but the associated symptoms can be emotionally and physically disabling. The authors report their experience of 10 patients with a diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula, seen between December 1982 and July 1986. The women ranged in age from 28 to 74 years. All complained of passing feces or flatus, or both, through the vagina. In the majority of cases, fistulas were present for longer than 6 months before surgical repair. The fistulas were due mainly to trauma. Endorectal advancement flaps were used in seven patients with excellent results. Small fistulas due to obstetric trauma may heal spontaneously, so in these cases a 6-month waiting period before operation is recommended. However, fistulas due to inflammatory bowel disease will not heal spontaneously and should be repaired as soon as the patient's condition is optimal.