Schistosomiasis as a cause of rectovaginal fistula: a brief case report

A high rectovaginal fistula associated with schistosomiasis is reported in a 19-year-old Ethiopian woman. The case history is reviewed for clinical presentation, results of preoperative investigations, and operative and pathologic findings. Operative treatment consisted of a low anterior resection with division of the fistula and primary colorectal anastomosis. Histologic analysis confirmed that this rectovaginal fistula was caused by schistosomal eggs. Schistosomiasis is identified as a cause of high rectovaginal fistula, and may be managed effectively by low anterior resection.