Rectovaginal fistula, Surgery FAQ

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Challenges in Healing Anal Fistula Post-Surgery: A Patient's Journey

Postoperative non-healing of anal fistula? Hello, Doctor! Here is the background: My mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer around 2019 (very close to the anus). The first physician mentioned that the tumor was too close to the anal sphincter, which would necessitate a permanent...


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. Low rectal cancer, after radiation therapy and surgery, has a high probability of developing a rectovaginal fistula. Once formed, it is difficult to heal because radiation therapy can affect local blood circulation, making the fistula less likely to close. 2. The discharge m...

[Read More] Challenges in Healing Anal Fistula Post-Surgery: A Patient's Journey


Managing Rectovaginal Fistulas in Stage III Cervical Cancer Patients

Cervical cancer stage III B with rectovaginal fistula? My mother is currently in stage III cervical cancer and has developed a rectovaginal fistula, which has led to the creation of a colostomy. However, the doctor did not mention how to manage the fistula moving forward. Is surg...


Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
The rectovaginal fistula caused by cervical cancer has undergone colostomy. The subsequent treatment plan will depend on the extent of tumor involvement and should be discussed with your treating physician.

[Read More] Managing Rectovaginal Fistulas in Stage III Cervical Cancer Patients


Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery: Managing Bowel Movements and Leakage Issues

Post-operative bowel movements after hemorrhoid surgery may lead to anal-vaginal incontinence? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I underwent ultrasound knife surgery to remove three hemorrhoids on July 21. Starting the day after the surgery, I began attempti...


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. It is normal for the frequency of bowel movements to increase after hemorrhoid surgery due to heightened sensitivity around the anal area caused by wound irritation, as long as there is no pain or bleeding during defecation. 2. It is also normal for the surgical site to have...

[Read More] Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery: Managing Bowel Movements and Leakage Issues


Postpartum Fecal Incontinence: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options

Postpartum anal incontinence? Hello, doctor! After giving birth in August, I noticed a week later that I had some fecal leakage, and the doctor who assisted with the delivery promptly performed an episiotomy repair. It has now been a month and a half. The leakage improved a few d...


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Severe obstetric injuries can lead to rectovaginal fistulas. If there is still fecal incontinence after repair, a contrast agent can be administered rectally for imaging. If the contrast agent enters the vagina, it indicates the presence of a rectovaginal fistula. If healing is p...

[Read More] Postpartum Fecal Incontinence: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options


Understanding Vaginal Fistula Surgery: What to Expect After Biodesign Plug

Vaginal Fistula Surgery Hello, doctor. I had a vaginal fistula plug surgery (Biodesign Surgisis Anal Fistula Plug) 10 days ago. Will the fistula plug come out with bowel movements? I've been feeling some air coming from the vagina these past two days. I'm not sure if it...


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This type of embolization is generally used for anal fistulas and rectovaginal fistulas. Personally, I do not have experience with this, as rectovaginal fistulas are relatively short and superficial, which increases the possibility of dislodgment. If you are experiencing vaginal ...

[Read More] Understanding Vaginal Fistula Surgery: What to Expect After Biodesign Plug


Surgical Approaches and Timing for Rectovaginal Fistula Repair

Rectovaginal fistula Dear Doctor: What is the usual surgical approach for rectovaginal fistulas? How long after childbirth is surgery typically recommended? Thank you for your assistance.


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the rectovaginal fistula has a small opening, it is usually monitored for a period of time to see if it will heal on its own. If it does not heal spontaneously, repair surgery can be performed via the rectum or vagina. The waiting period varies by individual, but typically, ob...

[Read More] Surgical Approaches and Timing for Rectovaginal Fistula Repair


Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms and Concerns

Rectovaginal fistula Doctor, I have a question: After giving birth, I sometimes pass gas from my vagina, and at times it makes a whistling sound like a flute. Is this definitely a fistula? If I don't address it for now, will the fistula get larger? Thank you.


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it is indeed possible that you have a vaginal-rectal fistula caused by childbirth trauma. It is best to have a physician examine you to confirm the diagnosis. If the fistula is not severe, it may heal on its own; however, if it does not heal, surgical r...

[Read More] Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms and Concerns


Understanding Hemorrhoids: Postpartum Concerns and Symptoms

Regarding hemorrhoids? Hello Dr. Wang, I gave birth in August via vaginal delivery and had an episiotomy. 1. After my one-month postpartum period, I experienced severe constipation and rectal bleeding. After consulting a doctor, I used a topical ointment, and the bleeding has st...


Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
Hello: Regarding your second question, I would like to share my thoughts: The process of natural childbirth can sometimes result in severe perineal trauma, with rectovaginal fistula being one of its complications. Larger and more obvious fistulas can be detected through a pelvic ...

[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Postpartum Concerns and Symptoms


Understanding Colovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Specialist Guidance

Colovaginal fistula Dear Dr. Hou Yong-ji, My mother-in-law is in her sixties and underwent surgery last year for stage III rectal cancer, which involved resection and the creation of a temporary colostomy, followed by six months of chemotherapy. During the process of reversing ...


Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: A rectovaginal fistula is a very troublesome issue. First, it should be differentiated: (1) Is it caused by cancer recurrence? (2) Has there been any radiation therapy? (3) Or is it a complication from surgery? Depending on the different conditions, different treatments ar...

[Read More] Understanding Colovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Specialist Guidance


Understanding Rectovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Care Tips

Rectovaginal fistula Could you please provide information regarding the treatment methods for rectovaginal fistula, the duration of medical care, and any precautions that should be taken? Thank you!


Dr. Zhang Zhenxiang Reply:
Rectovaginal fistula is a complex condition with diverse causes, sizes, and locations, as well as various treatment options ranging from conservative natural healing to aggressive surgical interventions involving resection of the vagina or rectum. It is difficult to summarize in ...

[Read More] Understanding Rectovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Care Tips


Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks

Rectovaginal fistula Hello Doctor: Several years ago, I experienced vaginal flatulence, which surprised me. After researching, I found that it might be a rectovaginal fistula. If that is the case, is treatment necessary? If left untreated, could there be any long-term consequence...


Dr. Qiu Shoutiao Reply:
Typically, a rectovaginal fistula causes feces to pass through the vagina. If there is only vaginal flatulence without feces exiting the vagina, it cannot be confirmed whether a rectovaginal fistula is present, and further examination is required for diagnosis. Common diagnostic ...

[Read More] Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks