What is rectovaginal fistula?
Debilitating conditions known as rectovaginal fistulas can develop in women as a result of prolonged and obstructed childbirth, often known as vaginal delivery. In essence, an rectovaginal fistula is an irregular aperture or channel that develops between the vagina and a neighboring organ. Despite the terrible effects it has on the afflicted mothers, this birth injury has received little attention. It is frequently observed among impoverished young women, particularly in developing nations with inadequate healthcare systems.
Types of rectovaginal Fistula!
- Vesico-vaginal Fistula – Between urinary bladder and vagina
- Urethro-vaginal Fistula –Between the urethra ( tube that carries the urine out of the bladder for excretion ) and vagina
- Rectovaginal Fistula – Between the rectum and vagina
- Vesico-uterine Fistula – Between the urinary bladder and uterus
Causes of rectovaginal Fistula?
Labor that is prolonged or obstructed is the most prevalent cause of an rectovaginal fistula. If the fetus is too big to pass through the mother’s pelvis, an extreme vaginal delivery may be necessary, which could cause tissue damage. If a cesarean section is not available, the outcome is typically a stillborn infant with tissue injury that causes uncontrollable feces and urine to enter into the vagina. The majority of women who are at danger are very young ones, including females who are child-married and those who are having their first kid.
Other causes are:
- Malignancy or radiation therapy for malignancy
- Injury during obstetric or gynecological surgery
- Infection
- Genital mutilation, sexual violence
Symptoms of Ractovaginal Fistula?
Because of the aberrant passageway that developed between the vagina and the surrounding organ, the woman would constantly have feces or urine leaks. This implies that she would be rejected by her spouse and society, always filthy and damp, and always smell bad. The woman could have to put up with sadness, economic hardship, and social exclusion.
Complications
- Genital soreness – Skin excoriations and ulcerations due to urinary ammonia deposition on the skin.
- Painful intercourse
- Constipation
- An infected Fistula can form an abscess
- Reproductive organ damage
- Secondary infertility
- Kidney damage
- Mental and emotional isssues – Social isolation, depression, stigmatization
Rectovaginal Fistula Treatment!
The best course of action for treating an rectovaginal fistula is surgery to close it. Most women see a significant improvement in their quality of life following a successful fistula repair. Women can resume their regular lives, engage with friends and family without restriction, and have happy marriages.
Simple vaginal surgery can treat 80% to 90% of patients with vesico-vaginal fistulas. It could take several tries to achieve continence with more complex fistulas.
Being a proctology clinic, Lazocure specializes in the treatment of recto-vaginal fistulas. The fistula is patched up layer by layer. The initial reconstruction is completed. The sphincter has been fixed. Repairing the vaginal wall comes next. The rectal mucosa is finally restored.
