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Rectovaginal Fistula

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Abstract

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are an abnormal communication between the anorectum and vagina that can be disabling for patients and challenging to treating surgeons. Addressed in this chapter are RVFs resulting from obstetric trauma, cryptoglandular disease, and Crohn’s disease. A number of different surgical approaches have been described in the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas. A single “best” approach has not been identified, and surgeons must be familiar with a variety of techniques in order to determine which approach is best suited for their patient. This chapter will review the most commonly described techniques and propose an algorithm for managing these complex patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, KB 428, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0016, USA

    Jamie A. Cannon M.D.

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  1. Jamie A. Cannon M.D.
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Correspondence to Jamie A. Cannon M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Scott R. Steele

  2. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Tracy L. Hull

  3. Tufts University School of Medicine, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA

    Thomas E. Read

  4. Ambrose and Gladys Bowyer, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Theodore J. Saclarides

  5. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA

    Anthony J. Senagore

  6. Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Charles B. Whitlow

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© 2016 ASCRS (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

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Cannon, J.A. (2016). Rectovaginal Fistula. In: Steele, S.R., Hull, T.L., Read, T.E., Saclarides, T.J., Senagore, A.J., Whitlow, C.B. (eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_16

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