Rectovaginal Leakage

Rectovaginal fistula is relatively rare in clinical practice. Generally, patients with the disease cannot control their bowel movements and are prone to recurrent infections. The treatment of rectovaginal fistula is relatively difficult because of the special location of the disease, which makes it prone to infection or recurrence.

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a congenital or acquired passage between the epithelial surfaces of the rectum and vagina and is relatively rare in clinical practice. The main clinical manifestations are vaginal flatulence and defecation, and in severe cases, uncontrollable bowel movements. It is generally not self-healing and most patients require surgical intervention. Due to the particularity and complexity of the local anatomy of the lesion site, surgery is difficult. If not handled properly, it will lead to repeated infections and high recurrence rates, often causing patients unspeakable pain and a decline in quality of life.

Causes

1. Natural childbirth

The occurrence of rectovaginal fistula is closely related to perineal tear, rectal tear, episiotomy, improper suture, etc. during natural delivery. It has been reported that the incidence of rectovaginal fistula in women who give birth vaginally is 0.1%.

2. Complications after stapler surgery

In recent years, the high frequency of use of staplers in rectal surgery has led to an increasing trend of rectovaginal fistulas caused by surgical injuries.

3. Inflammatory injury

Bacterial inflammation, chemical drugs and radiation-induced enteritis, etc., lead to local tissue ischemia and necrosis, forming rectovaginal fistula.

4. Complications of surgery

During hemorrhoid surgery or local injection of sclerotherapy, local damage caused by the surgery or improper injection site and dosage of injected drugs can cause local necrosis and later form a rectovaginal fistula.

5. Perianal abscess

Perianal abscess forms rectovaginal fistula.

6. Congenital rectovaginal fistula

It often coexists with anal atresia.

7. Cancerous fistula

Late-stage malignant tumors in the internal genitalia and pelvic cavity lead to local infiltration, metastasis, and tissue ulceration, leading to the formation of recto-vaginal tumor fistulas.

8. Diabetic patients

Diabetic patients are prone to infection and rectovaginal fistula. If blood sugar is not well controlled, it will affect the healing of the patient's wounds and skin and aggravate the infection.