Rectovaginal Fistula
Key Concepts
- Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) may result from benign or malignant disease or iatrogenic causes.
- Diagnostic evaluation of RVF is based on history and examination and may be enhanced by radiological studies.
- Anal sphincter function is a key component in the evaluation and treatment of RVF.
- When infection complicates RVF, it must be resolved prior to definitive treatment of the fistula.
- Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic RVF may not require intervention.
- RVF due to Crohn’s disease may, in some cases, be effectively managed with medical therapy alone.
- Surgical treatment of RVF is influenced by the etiology of the fistula, its location, the integrity of the anal sphincter, and if it is a primary or recurrent fistula.
- In some cases, the use of a well-vascularized soft-tissue flap and/or fecal diversion may be required to effectively manage the RVF.
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Last updated: January 26, 2022
Citation
Gurland, Brooke H, and Jon D Vogel. "Rectovaginal Fistula." ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2022. ASCRS U, www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Textbook-of-Colon-and-Rectal-Surgery/2285007/all/Rectovaginal_Fistula.
Gurland BH, Vogel JD. Rectovaginal Fistula. ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2022. https://www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Textbook-of-Colon-and-Rectal-Surgery/2285007/all/Rectovaginal_Fistula. Accessed June 8, 2023.
Gurland, B. H., & Vogel, J. D. (2022). Rectovaginal Fistula. In ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery https://www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Textbook-of-Colon-and-Rectal-Surgery/2285007/all/Rectovaginal_Fistula
Gurland BH, Vogel JD. Rectovaginal Fistula [Internet]. In: ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. ; 2022. [cited 2023 June 08]. Available from: https://www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Textbook-of-Colon-and-Rectal-Surgery/2285007/all/Rectovaginal_Fistula.
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