Pouch-vaginal fistula after restorative proctocolectomy: aetiology and management

Pouch-vaginal fistula is a rare complication following restorative proctocolectomy. Seven patients who developed such a fistula are presented. Six pouch-vaginal fistulas occurred at the level of the pouch-anal anastomosis and one 3 cm above the anastomosis, level with the posterior vaginal fornix. The anastomosis had been hand-sewn in four patients (following mucosectomy) and stapled in three. Five fistulas presented within the perioperative period (median 16 (range 10-30) days) and two at 186 and 273 days. Treatment was successful in the patients who presented early, and these remain continent with functioning pouches. If not already present (two patients), an ileostomy was raised. Repair was by endovaginal flap advancement, combined with fistulotomy and sphincter repair in two patients. Treatment was unsuccessful in the two patients who presented late; in both the diagnosis was revised to Crohn's disease, necessitating pouch excision.