Rectovaginal fistula: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Rectovaginal fistula | |||
| image = [[File:Rectovestibular_fistula_in_females.jpg|left|thumb|Rectovaginal fistula]] | |||
| caption = A diagram showing a rectovaginal fistula | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]], [[Gynecology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = Passage of gas or stool through the [[vagina]], [[vaginal discharge]], [[recurrent urinary tract infections]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[fecal incontinence]], [[dyspareunia]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Childbirth]], [[surgical trauma]], [[inflammatory bowel disease]], [[radiation therapy]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Vesicovaginal fistula]], [[Crohn's disease]] | |||
| prevention = Proper obstetric care, avoiding unnecessary [[episiotomy]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical repair]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Rectovaginal fistula''' is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal connection (fistula) between the [[rectum]] and the [[vagina]]. This condition can result in fecal incontinence and can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected individual. | '''Rectovaginal fistula''' is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal connection (fistula) between the [[rectum]] and the [[vagina]]. This condition can result in fecal incontinence and can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected individual. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Rectovaginal fistulas can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include [[obstetric trauma]], such as injury during childbirth, and [[Crohn's disease]], a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes can include [[radiation therapy]], surgical complications, and [[cancer]]. | Rectovaginal fistulas can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include [[obstetric trauma]], such as injury during childbirth, and [[Crohn's disease]], a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes can include [[radiation therapy]], surgical complications, and [[cancer]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of a rectovaginal fistula is the uncontrollable passage of gas or stool from the vagina. Other symptoms can include recurrent [[urinary tract infections]], foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and discomfort or pain in the vaginal or rectal area. | The primary symptom of a rectovaginal fistula is the uncontrollable passage of gas or stool from the vagina. Other symptoms can include recurrent [[urinary tract infections]], foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and discomfort or pain in the vaginal or rectal area. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula typically involves a physical examination, during which the doctor may be able to see or feel the fistula. Additional tests may include a [[barium enema]], which can help visualize the fistula, and [[endoscopy]], which allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and vagina. | Diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula typically involves a physical examination, during which the doctor may be able to see or feel the fistula. Additional tests may include a [[barium enema]], which can help visualize the fistula, and [[endoscopy]], which allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and vagina. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for rectovaginal fistulas depends on the cause and severity of the fistula. In some cases, the fistula may heal on its own with conservative management, such as dietary changes and medication. In other cases, surgery may be required to repair the fistula. Surgical options include [[fistulotomy]], where the fistula is cut open and allowed to heal from the inside out, and [[flap advancement]], where healthy tissue is moved to cover the fistula. | Treatment for rectovaginal fistulas depends on the cause and severity of the fistula. In some cases, the fistula may heal on its own with conservative management, such as dietary changes and medication. In other cases, surgery may be required to repair the fistula. Surgical options include [[fistulotomy]], where the fistula is cut open and allowed to heal from the inside out, and [[flap advancement]], where healthy tissue is moved to cover the fistula. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with a rectovaginal fistula depends on the underlying cause and the success of treatment. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can achieve a good quality of life. | The prognosis for individuals with a rectovaginal fistula depends on the underlying cause and the success of treatment. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can achieve a good quality of life. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Fistula]] | * [[Fistula]] | ||
* [[Obstetric fistula]] | * [[Obstetric fistula]] | ||
* [[Vesicovaginal fistula]] | * [[Vesicovaginal fistula]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Gynaecologic disorders]] | [[Category:Gynaecologic disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Surgical procedures and techniques]] | [[Category:Surgical procedures and techniques]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:34, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Rectovaginal fistula | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Passage of gas or stool through the vagina, vaginal discharge, recurrent urinary tract infections |
| Complications | Infection, fecal incontinence, dyspareunia |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Childbirth, surgical trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation therapy |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Vesicovaginal fistula, Crohn's disease |
| Prevention | Proper obstetric care, avoiding unnecessary episiotomy |
| Treatment | Surgical repair, antibiotics |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Rectovaginal fistula is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal connection (fistula) between the rectum and the vagina. This condition can result in fecal incontinence and can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected individual.
Etiology[edit]
Rectovaginal fistulas can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include obstetric trauma, such as injury during childbirth, and Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes can include radiation therapy, surgical complications, and cancer.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of a rectovaginal fistula is the uncontrollable passage of gas or stool from the vagina. Other symptoms can include recurrent urinary tract infections, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and discomfort or pain in the vaginal or rectal area.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula typically involves a physical examination, during which the doctor may be able to see or feel the fistula. Additional tests may include a barium enema, which can help visualize the fistula, and endoscopy, which allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and vagina.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for rectovaginal fistulas depends on the cause and severity of the fistula. In some cases, the fistula may heal on its own with conservative management, such as dietary changes and medication. In other cases, surgery may be required to repair the fistula. Surgical options include fistulotomy, where the fistula is cut open and allowed to heal from the inside out, and flap advancement, where healthy tissue is moved to cover the fistula.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with a rectovaginal fistula depends on the underlying cause and the success of treatment. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can achieve a good quality of life.
See also[edit]
