Non-surgical repair of rectovaginal fistulae

Twelve women with recurrent rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) were treated by electrocauterization (EC). Ten fistulae were obstetric and two followed car accidents; they were located in the lower (4 patients), mid (6 patients) and upper (2 patients) third of the vagina. Under anesthesia, a cauterization probe was introduced into the fistulous track and an electric current was switched on for 30-60 s at a frequency of 20,000 cycles/s and a power of 30 W. Two patients required two sessions but all fistulae healed without recurrence (mean follow-up 24 months). No complications were encountered.