Rectovaginal fistula

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Rectovaginal fistula
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 N82.3
ICD-9 619.1
DiseasesDB 32573
eMedicine med/2745
MeSH D012006

A rectovaginal fistula is a medical condition where there is a fistula or abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina. [1]

Rectovaginal fistula may be extremely debilitating. If the opening between the rectum and vagina is wide it will allow both flatulence and feces to escape through the vagina, leading to fecal incontinence. There is an association with recurrent urinary and vaginal infections.

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[edit] Causes

Rectovaginal fistulae are often the result of trauma during childbirth (in which case it is known as obstetric fistula) in situations where there is inadequate health care, such as in some developing countries. Rates in Eritrea are estimated as high as 350 per 100,000 vaginal births. Fistulas can also develop in women and children who are raped; women with rectovaginal fistulae are often stigmatized in third world countries, and become outcasts.

Rectovaginal fistulae can also be a symptom of various diseases, including infection by Lymphogranuloma venereum,[2] or the unintended result of surgery, such as episiotomy or sexual reassignment surgery. They may present as a complication of vaginal surgery, including vaginal hysterectomy. They are a recognized presentation of rectal carcinoma or rarely diverticular disease of the bowel or Crohn's disease. They are seen rarely after radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kumaran SS, Palanivelu C, Kavalakat AJ, Parthasarathi R, Neelayathatchi M (2005). "Laparoscopic repair of high rectovaginal fistula: is it technically feasible?". BMC Surg 5: 20. doi:10.1186/1471-2482-5-20. PMID 16221302. PMC 1266383. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2482/5/20. 
  2. ^ Lynch CM, Felder TL, Schwandt RA, Shashy RG (1999). "Lymphogranuloma venereum presenting as a rectovaginal fistula". Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 7 (4): 199–201. doi:10.1155/S1064744999000344. PMID 10449269. 

[edit] External links