Treatment of Rectovaginal Fistula Using Fractionate CO₂ Vaginal Laser: A Case Series

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are abnormal tracts that connect the lower gastrointestinal tract with the vagina. They can result from obstetric trauma, infection, local surgeries, cancer, radiation damage, and Crohn's disease. Despite the advances in surgical and clinical treatment, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment. To report five cases of patients with RVF submitted to intravaginal CO₂ fractional laser treatment, as a complementary and additional therapeutic option in this scenery. Five laser sessions with monthly intervals followed by complete evaluation through clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis were performed for all patients. Three patients had complete resolution of symptoms after the end of planned vaginal laser sessions, whereas two patients reported significant improvement in symptoms. Four patients who had stopped having sex due to their condition admitted to resuming regular sexual activity. In addition, all five patients had closure of the fistulous track confirmed by pelvic MRI. No adverse events from vaginal laser therapy were reported by any of the patients. We believe this method to be a complementary, promising, and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of RVF. It may potentially enable return to regular sexual activity. Future studies using this therapeutic strategy are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this method in this clinical setting. Clinical trial registration no.: CAAE 93673618.4.0000.5133.