Successful management of rectovaginal fistula treated by endorectal advancement flap: report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) sometimes has a difficulty in treatment. This report describes two patients who suffered from RVF. Case descriptions: One patient was a 76-year-old woman who had a RVF over 30 years after the 3rd childbirth. She underwent endorectal advancement flap (ERAF). She had a nighttime soiling after ERAF once a month, which disappeared one year after surgery. Second patient was a 23-year-old woman who had a RVF one month after the first childbirth. She underwent ERAF, and did not have any complications. Discussion and evaluation: Both patients did not develop recurrence for four years. Quality of life after ERAF was satisfactory in both patients. ERAF is a safe procedure in terms of both short and long outcomes. We also present a review of the literature concerning ERAF for RVF. Conclusions: ERAF can be a potential option as a treatment for RVF.