Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer healed by nonoperative treatment. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emoto, Shigenobu; Nozawa, Hiroaki; Yoneyama, Satomi; Murono, Koji; Kaneko, Manabu; Sasaki, Kazuhito; Otani, Kensuke; Nishikawa, Takeshi; Tanaka, Toshiaki; Hata, Keisuke; Kiyomatsu, Tomomichi; Kawai, Kazushige; Omata, Kanako; Noguchi, Tatsuki; Masuda, Koichi; Sakata, Hiroki; Tajima, Yusuke; Hidemura, Akio; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Ishimaru, Masahiro; Watanabe, Toshiaki
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 41(2017)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: RVF rectovaginal fistula -- FXIII freeze-dried coagulation factor XIII; Rectovaginal fistula -- Low anterior resection -- Double-stapling technique; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.10.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is one of the complications after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. RVF has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment. We report a case of RVF in which conservative treatment was successful. Abstract: Background: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a serious complication after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique. RVF following this procedure has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment. Case presentation: A 75-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection for early rectal cancer developed RVF on the 12th postoperative day. Conservative treatment was chosen and was successful. She was discharged from the hospital after 3 weeks with a normal oral diet. Colonoscopy on the 50th postoperative day showed that the RVF was closed. Conclusion: Conservative treatment may be effective for RVF after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique when there is no evidence of defecation through the vagina.