Surgical management of rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn's disease

An analysis of 15 patients with rectovaginal fistulas complicating Crohn's disease, who were managed at Duke Medical Center between 1966 and 1979, is presented. The experience reported suggests that, in carefully selected patients, and with proper timing of operative intervention, the role of primary repair of these fistulas may be more important and yield greater success than is generally maintained in the literature. Selection of the patients, perioperative management, and surgical technique are discussed.