Understanding and Managing Rectovaginal Fistulas: A Comprehensive Guide

A rectovaginal fistula is a condition in which an abnormal tunnel exists between the rectum and vagina, allowing stool (faeces or poo) to pass through it. While this is often a painful malady, it can be treated mainly by cosmetic surgery. Detailed information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of Rectovaginal Fistulas

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of Rectovaginal Heaternity Thickness Symptoms and Problems These include:

• Elimination of stool or gas from the vagina
• Trouble holding stool (fecal incontinence)
• Bad smelling discharge from the vagina
• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Vaginal or perineal (the area between the vagina and anus) pain
• There can be pain during sex

For any of these symptoms and if you experience them, it is imperative to seek medical help immediately.

Causes of Rectovaginal Fistulas

A rectovaginal fistula tends to develop due to several actions:

Complications during childbirth: Long or hard labor may lead to tearing in the perineum, which can cause fistula formation after an episiotomy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can lead to a higher risk of developing a fistula because the digestive tract has chronic inflammation.

Cancer and radiation: cancers of the pelvis organs are one cause for fistula formation, or they may be needed as part of treatment.

Surgery: Fistulas most often occur after surgery involving the vagina, rectum, perineum or anus.

Other common etiologies are the infections in anus or rectum, diverticulitis and fecal impaction; sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as HIV.

Who Is at Risk?

Women with challenging labour, perineal tears and chronic diseases like Crohn's disease are at more risk of developing rectovaginal fissures. In addition, people who have had surgery in the pelvic region or radiation for cancer are at higher risk.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of rosacea is primarily clinical and usually involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. How is the Diagnosis Made By Your Doctor?

Anorectal or Transvaginal Ultrasound: An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the fistula.

Methylene Enema: A blue dye is injected into the rectum; if it comes out from vagina, then there's a fistula.

Barium Enema: A contrast dye is used to better visualise the fistula on an X-ray.

CT Scan or MRI: These imaging techniques give a detailed picture of your pelvic area that help in locating the fistula and knowing how severe it is.

How Is It Treated?

Most rectovaginal fistulas will require surgery to close the abnormal opening. Greater than surgery can not be done, but if there is an outbreak of infection or inflammation in the neck that manicure should make sure you first cleanly healed before undergoing tonsillectomy.During this time, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines (infliximab [Remicade]) can be prescribed.

The appropriate type of surgery will be influenced by the location and severity of your past fistula:

Abdominal Surgery: This has the best success rate, about 95%.

Vaginal/Perineal Surgery: These are VERY LOW INVASIVE but with lower success rates of about 55%

Colostomy: In extreme cases, a colostomy may be necessary that creates an elicit through which fecal matter can bypass the fistula allowing it to close.

What are the risks and complications?

A rectovaginal fistula can have a major impact on your health if it is not treated.

Fecal Incontinence : This can have a devastating impact on quality of life if bowel movements are difficult or impossible to control.

Recurrent InfectionsPersistent infections in the vaginal region can occur.

Abscess Formation: A pus sore can occur as well where the fistula is present.

Relapse: Sometimes, the fistula appears again after treatment and requires additional surgery.

Managing the Condition

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications prior to surgery.

Take all prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications as instructed.

Hygiene: Wash the area gently with warm water and unscented soap.

Reduce Irritation: Use non-scented wipes and apply talcum powder or a moisture barrier cream to help protect the skin.

Comfort: Wear loose cotton clothing and dispose of underwear may keep the area dry, decreasing discomfort.

Outlook

Although some rectovaginal fistulas may close by themselves, surgery is sometimes needed for them to heal fully. The result of the surgery is fairly used on how it was done and also on general health conditions. The good news is that most women with the condition can experience a full recovery and live a normal life.

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, particularly after childbirth or surgery that affects your colon and/or rectum has been performed, contact a physician about it.