Anovestibular fistula to Bartholin's gland

Acquired fistulation from the anal canal to Bartholin's gland has not been reported before. This fistula has been identified in 11 women treated between 1991 and 1995.

All discharge diagnoses during this period were searched. The clinical records of patients managed for this diagnosis were reviewed.

Eleven women aged 24-49 years were identified. Seven of 11 fistulas arose in association with inflammatory bowel disease (five Crohn's disease, two ulcerative colitis). Patients typically presented with the vulval passage of flatus and faeces or acute sepsis of Bartholin's gland. Time to diagnosis of the fistula ranged from 1 to 15 (median 8) months after the onset of symptoms. Anatomically, all fistulas were high trans-sphincteric or suprasphincteric. All eight fistulas for which repair was attempted (five in the presence of inflammatory bowel disease) remain healed at short-term follow-up. Proctocolectomy was undertaken in two patients with severe Crohn's colitis.

Ano-Bartholin's fistulas, although rare in general surgical practice, present with troublesome symptoms and may be repaired successfully. Gynaecologists and surgeons should be aware of this clinical entity to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment.