Combined clinical and radiological remission of rectovaginal fistulas using fractional CO2 vaginal laser: a case series and medium-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in surgical and clinical approaches, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment from rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Faced with a challenging scenario in the approach of RVF, the fractional CO2 laser receives attention as a possible form of treatment. OBJECTIVES: A single-center, prospective, open-label study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy for RVF treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The total of 15 patients was recruited at the Juiz de Fora University Hospital between August 2018 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria were presence of clinically suspects RVF of any etiology confirmed by pelvic magnetic resonance image (MRI) and gynecological examination. Five fractional CO2 laser sessions with monthly interval followed by complete evaluation through clinical examination and pelvic MRI were performed for all patients after the completion of treatment. Analysis of sexual function before and after the treatment was performed using Female Sexual Quotient (FSQ). RESULTS: The evaluation through physical examination showed no persistent inflammatory signs in the vagina for all patients. Additionally, 10 of out 15 (67.7%) patients achieved clinical remission of RVF symptoms, while 33.3% patients reported significant improvement. Of note, five patients who did not have previous sexual activity returned to regular sexual activity while seven patients who have baseline sexual activity had improvement in their sexual function as assessed by the FSQ. Three out of four ostomized patients had their ostomy reversed and remained without complains. All six patients with RVF secondary to Crohn's disease reported a marked improvement in symptoms and sexual function. In seven (47%) patients radiological remission was confirmed by pelvic MRI. CONCLUSION: CO2 fractional laser can be considered a promising and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of RVF.

Martius flap reconstruction for rectovaginal fistula after stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo operation): a case report.

PURPOSE: A rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a rare disease. It's an epithelium-lined abnormal communication between rectum and vagina. It represents approximately 5% of all anorectal fistulas. RVF may have different causes. METHODS: We present a case of a 58-year-old woman with a rectovaginal fistula after stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo operation). RESULTS: A 58-year-old woman presented herself in our department with vaginal fecal discharge and vaginitis almost one month after a stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed in another hospital. On vaginal examination, a large dorsal defect was palpated at four cm. On rectal examination, the stapler line was palpable at four cm and just distal to this stapler line, a large defect could be palpated. A lower gastrointestinal tract radiography was performed and identified a RVF. The patient was put on antibiotics and two operations were planned. First, a temporary ileostomy was created. After healing of the vaginitis, reconstructive surgery with anatomic fistula repair in combination with the interposition of healthy, vascularised tissue was performed. In this case, we chose the Martius flap. The operation as well as the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of postoperative RVF have been increasingly reported since the introduction of stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Patients with RVF can have a varying degree of symptoms. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's medical history together with a clinical examination. There are many surgical approaches for RVF. Anatomic fistula repair alone is associated with lower success rates compared with combined procedures with the adjunctive interposition of healthy, vascularised tissue.

A non-degraded biodegradable stent in the closure of a defunctionalized rectovaginal fistula.

The case was a 52-year-old female with a rectovaginal fistula secondary to a rectosigmoid resection with low colorectal anastomosis due to adenocarcinoma. The fistula persisted after surgical reintervention with defunctionalization, a hysterectomy and colostomy in the left iliac fossa.

Hypovolemic shock after pelvic radiotherapy. A rare combination leading to a devastating complication.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy currently plays a key role in pelvic malignancies' management. Excellent outcomes have been reported on its association with chemotherapy for the treatment of the anal carcinoma. Despite that, the combined use of chemo- and radiotherapy and the high doses administered seem to be strongly associated with early and late onset side effects. METHODS: We reported a case of a 72 years old woman, affected by anal squamous cell carcinoma. She underwent chemotherapy, and then radiotherapy, with good results. RESULTS: During a regular MR control, the patient developed anaphylactic reaction to Gadolinium, and after that a rectosigmoid ischemia with total necrosis of the posterior rectal wall was diagnosed and surgically treated with Hartmann procedure. CONCLUSION: In our case we faced with the rapid and severe degeneration of pelvic anatomy determined by the sum of vascular alterations following hypovolemic shock and pelvic tissues alteration after radiotherapy. It seems essential not to underestimate the exponential outcome of a similar unusual combination of events. KEY WORDS: Anal carcinoma, Hypovolemic shock, Pelvic radiotherapy, Rectal necrosis.

Case Report: Treatment for Rectovaginal Fistula in Crohn's Disease Using Fractionate CO2 Vaginal Laser with Anti-TNF Therapy.

Background: Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are defined as any connection between the anorectum and the vagina. They can have several causes, being Crohn's disease, the second leading cause of RVFs, responsible for ∼10% of the RVFs. Despite the advances in surgical and clinical treatment, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment. Objective: To report another therapeutic option, we describe the case of a patient with Crohn's disease and RVF refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, submitted to intravaginal CO2 fractional laser treatment. Materials and methods: Three laser sessions with monthly interval and analysis by clinical examination, sexual evaluation questionnaire, and magnetic resonance of the pelvis were performed. Results: We obtained an important improvement of the symptoms and of the dimension of the fistulous path. Conclusions: We believe this method to be a complementary, promising, and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of vaginal fistula. Future studies using this therapeutic strategy are needed to confirm the efficacy of this method in this clinical setting.

MRI evaluation of anal and perianal diseases.

Anal and perianal region is a commonly affected area in the course of several inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. Several imaging modalities may be used in imaging evaluation of this area and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) emerges as the imaging modality of choice due to its superb soft tissue resolution. MRI is not only useful for initial detection of anal/perianal pathologies but also in the follow-up of these disorders. In this article, we aimed to illustrate MRI findings of several diseases affecting this area including perianal fistula as well as anal fissure, hypertrophic myopathy of internal anal sphincter, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal sinus, rectovaginal/anovaginal fistula and anal canal carcinoma. We think that this article will serve to familiarize the imaging specialists to the MRI findings of these diseases.

Imaging and Surgical Management of Anorectal Vaginal Fistulas.

Anorectal vaginal fistulas (ARVFs) can result in substantial morbidity and potentially embarrassing symptoms in adult women of all ages. Despite having what may be obvious clinical manifestations, the fistulas themselves can be difficult to identify with imaging. MRI is the modality of choice for the diagnosis and characterization of ARVFs. A dedicated protocol involving the use of vaginal gel and optimized imaging planes with respect to the vagina, as well as an understanding of the MRI pelvic floor anatomy, is crucial for reporting surgically relevant details. Ancillary findings such as postsurgical changes, inflammation, abscess, sphincter destruction, and neoplasm are well evaluated. Vaginography, contrast enema, endoscopic US, and CT can be highly useful complementary diagnostic examinations. The entities that result in ARVFs may be obstetric, inflammatory (eg, Crohn disease and diverticulitis), neoplastic, iatrogenic, and/or radiation induced. Surgical management is heavily dependent on the cause and complexity of the fistulizing disease, which are related to the location of the fistula in the vagina, the type and extent of fistula branching, the number of fistulas, sphincter tears, inflammation, and abscess. ©RSNA, 2018.

Cytomegalovirus colitis mimicking rectal carcinoma in an immunocompetent elderly woman.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is uncommon in immunocompetent patients, despite a high seroprevalence rate of CMV in the general population. CMV infection has been described in individuals with compromised immune systems: in AIDS, under corticosteroid and immune modulating treatment, with cancer or haematological malignancies. Its most frequent clinical presentation is a necrotising ulcerative form; pseudotumoural CMV colitis has been described as highly exceptional. We report a case of CMV colitis mimicking rectal carcinoma in an immunocompetent elderly woman. The immunosenescence and protein-energy malnutrition increase incidence and severity of infectious diseases in elderly individuals. Immunosenescence may affect all aspects of immunity; severe protein malnutrition modifies mostly cellular immunity, growing susceptibility to infections.

Clinical value of endoluminal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) refers to a pathological passage between the rectum and vagina, which is a public health challenge. This study was aimed to explore the clinical value of endoluminal biplane ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula (RVF). METHODS: Thirty inpatients and outpatients with suspected RVF from January 2006 to June 2013 were included in the study, among whom 28 underwent surgical repair. All 28 patients underwent preoperative endoluminal ultrasonography, and the obtained diagnostic results were compared with the corresponding surgical results. RESULTS: All of the internal openings located at the anal canal and rectum of the 28 patients and confirmed during surgery were revealed by preoperative endosonography, which showed a positive predictive value of 100%. Regarding the 30 internal openings located in the vagina during surgery, the positive predictive value of preoperative endosonography was 93%. The six cases of simple fistulas confirmed during surgery were revealed by endosonography; for the 22 cases of complex fistula confirmed during surgery, the positive predictive value of endosonography was 90%. Surgery confirmed 14 cases of anal fistula and 14 cases of RVF, whereas preoperative endoluminal ultrasonography suggested 16 cases of anal fistula and 12 cases of RVF, resulting in positive predictive values of 92.3 and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of endoluminal biplane ultrasonography in the diagnosis of RVF can accurately determine the internal openings in the rectum or vagina and can relatively accurately identify concomitant branches and abscesses located in the rectovaginal septum. Thus, it is a good imaging tool for examining internal and external anal sphincter injuries and provides useful information for preoperative preparation and postoperative evaluation.

Peroxide-enhanced 3-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound imaging for diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula.

UNLABELLED: We present a case of a rectovaginal fistula identified with peroxide-enhanced 3-dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography. CASE: A 36-year-old woman with history of ulcerative colitis, status post-ileoanal J-pouch anastomosis, and total proctocolectomy presented with leakage of stool from her vagina. The fistula tract could not be fully visualized directly or identified on endoanal ultrasonography, but was diagnosed by peroxide-enhanced endovaginal ultrasound.The use of peroxide-enhancement while performing 3-dimensional endovaginal sonographic imaging may be of benefit to patients with rectovaginal fistulas that cannot be fully evaluated by physical examination or more typical use of endoanal ultrasonography.

Transperineal ultrasonography in perianal Crohn's disease and recurrent cryptogenic fistula-in-ano.

AIM: Successful anal fistula care is aided by specialized imaging accurately defining the site of the internal opening and fistula type. Imaging techniques are complementary, designed to answer specific anatomical questions. There are limited data concerning the clinical value of transperineal ultrasound (TP-US) in both cryptogenic fistula-in-ano and perianal Crohn's disease (PACD). The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of TP-US compared with operative findings in patients with perirectal sepsis. METHOD: Patients with recurrent cryptogenic anal fistula and PACD referred for sonography were examined using TP-US by a single examiner blinded to the operative results. Fistulae were categorized by the Parks classification predicting the site of the internal fistula opening. Ancillary horseshoe collections, abscesses and secondary tracks were defined. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with PACD and 27 patients with recurrent cryptogenic fistula-in-ano were analysed with comparative images and operative data. Correlation of fistula type for cryptogenic and PACD patients respectively was 23/27 (85.2%) and 12/14 (85.7%), with a correlative internal opening site (when found at surgery) of 16/22 (72.3%) and 12/14 (85.7%). Misclassification of fistula type in cryptogenic cases occurred in the presence of ancillary abscesses with associated acoustic shadowing. In PACD patients, TP-US was used when anal stenosis precluded endoanal ultrasonography, assisting in the diagnosis of recto-vaginal fistulae. CONCLUSION: TP-US is a useful complementary technique to assess fistula-in-ano and has special advantage when there is anal canal distortion, complex fistula type or suspicion of a recto-vaginal fistula.

German S3-Guideline: rectovaginal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulas are rare, and the majority is of traumatic origin. The most common causes are obstetric trauma, local infection, and rectal surgery. This guideline does not cover rectovaginal fistulas that are caused by chronic inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. RESULTS: Rectovaginal fistula is diagnosed on the basis of the patient history and the clinical examination. Other pathologies should be ruled out by endoscopy, endosonography or tomography. The assessment of sphincter function is valuable for surgical planning (potential simultaneous sphincter reconstruction). Persistent rectovaginal fistulas generally require surgical treatment. Various surgical procedures have been described. The most common procedure involves a transrectal approach with endorectal suture. The transperineal approach is primarily used in case of simultaneous sphincter reconstruction. In recurrent fistulas. Closure can be achieved by the interposition of autologous tissue (Martius flap, gracilis muscle) or biologically degradable materials. In higher fistulas, abdominal approaches are used as well. Stoma creation is more frequently required in rectovaginal fistulas than in anal fistulas. The decision regarding stoma creation should be primarily based on the extent of the local defect and the resulting burden on the patient. CONCLUSION: In this clinical S3-Guideline, instructions for diagnosis and treatment of rectovaginal fistulas are described for the first time in Germany. Given the low evidence level, this guideline is to be considered of descriptive character only. Recommendations for diagnostics and treatment are primarily based the clinical experience of the guideline group and cannot be fully supported by the literature.

Laparoscopic treatment of rectovaginal fistulas. Feasibility, technical details, and functional results of a rare anorectal malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Rectovaginal fistulas are a rare variety of anorectal malformations. Eight patients with this anomaly among 420 children with anorectal malformations were treated in our center. We used a laparoscopic approach in 5 of the children. The aim of this study is to define the feasibility and technical details of laparoscopy in the treatment of these patients as compared with those treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and to evaluate the preliminary results. METHODS: Three patients were treated with a PSARP starting February 2000 (group 1 [GI]). The laparoscopic approach (laparoscopic treatment [LT]) was used in the next 5 girls starting in November 2002 (group 2 [G2]). All patients were operated on by the authors. In LT cases, we used 3 ports. The rectum was dissected laparoscopically, and the fistula was transected. An assisted anorectal pull-through was then performed using a minimal perineal incision. Clinical features, age at operation, associated anomalies, ratio/sacrum (sacral ratio [SR]), distal colostogram, operative findings, complications, urinary continence, voluntary bowel movements, constipation, soiling, and requirements of bowel management program were analyzed. Patients older than 3 years and 6 months and with more than 3 months after colostomy closure were included in the analysis of functional results. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of operation was 21.8 months. Urogenital anomalies were seen in 6 (75%) of the 8 girls. Two patients had SRs less than 0.6. Only 3 patients in each group were considered for evaluation of functional results. Mean age was 67 months in 3 (G1) and 64 months in 3 (G2) patients. All 6 patients were continent of urine. Only 1 in G1 had an SR less than 0.6. Voluntary bowel movements were present in 1 patient in G1 and 2 in G2. One patient in G1 had severe constipation and grade 2 soiling requiring bowel management program (SR <0.6), and 1 patient in G2 had occasional soiling. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy allowed an optimal view of the pelvis and helped to achieve a low dissection of the fistula. Although the number of patients in this study is few, functional results with LT seem to be comparable to the open PSARP approach when done by experienced pediatric surgeons. The laparoscopic approach may be considered as an option for the treatment of this rare anomaly.

Foreign body sexual assault complicated by rectovaginal fistula.

A case is discussed of an adolescent presenting with a rectovaginal fistula secondary to a sexual assault 2 years earlier. The fistula resulted from a retained foreign body (bottle cap) inserted into the vagina during the assault. The adolescent did not disclose the presence of the foreign body at the initial examination.

Rectovaginal fistulography: a technique for the identification of recurrent elusive fistulas.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to review our experience with a technique for diagnosing small rectovaginal fistulas that occasionally permit passage of air or mucus. METHODS: During an in-office visit suspicious areas of the vagina were probed with a cone-tip catheter and injected with a contrast dye to visualize the suspected fistula tract communicating to the rectum under fluoroscopic guidance. The fistulous tracts were further isolated using a flexi-tip glide wire. RESULTS: Five out of nine patients were found to have fistulas not diagnosed by other means. Three patients had recurrent rectovaginal fistula after a vaginal delivery, one patient was identified with a high rectovaginal fistula due to diverticular disease, and one patient had a rectovaginal fistula due to prior hemorrhoidectomy. One patient had a negative test, and the fistula that was diagnosed intraoperatively was due to underlying Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Direct fistulography is a useful technique to visualize otherwise elusive symptomatic rectovaginal fistula tracts.