Treatment of rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection with endoscopic stenting: long‐term results. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lamazza, A.; Fiori, E.; Schillaci, A.; Sterpetti, A. V.; Lezoche, E.
• Is Part Of: Colorectal disease. Volume 17:Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Endoscopic stenting -- rectovaginal fistula -- colorectal resection; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.12876
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-8910

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after anterior resection for cancer using self‐expanding metal stents. Method: Ten patients of mean age of 56.3 years with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer were treated with endoscopic placement of a self‐expanding metal stent. In three patients a diverting proximal stoma had been performed elsewhere. The rectal opening of the fistula was located from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge (mean 6 cm). All patients had preoperative radiotherapy. In seven patients the stent was placed as the initial treatment while three referred patients had had multiple failed operations. Results: There were no complications after the procedure. At a mean follow‐up of 24 months the rectovaginal fistula has healed without major faecal incontinence in eight patients. In the remaining two the fistula has reduced significantly in size to allow a successful flap transposition. Conclusion: Endoscopic placement of a self‐expanding metal stent is a valid adjunct to treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer.