Scientific article
Review
English

Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease: when and how to operate?

Published inClinics in colon and rectal surgery, vol. 35, no. 1, p. 10-20
Publication date2022-01
First online date2022-01
Abstract

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) occurring during the course of Crohn's disease (CD) constitutes a therapeutic challenge and is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. To optimize the outcome of CD-related RVF repair, the best conditions for correct healing should be obtained. Remission of CD should be achieved with no active proctitis, the perianal CD activity should be minimized, and local septic complications should be controlled. The objective of surgical repair is to close the fistula tract with minimal recurrence and functional disturbance. Several therapeutic strategies exist and the approach should be tailored to the anatomy of the RVF and the quality of the local supporting tissues. Herein, we review the medical and surgical management of CD-related RVF.

Keywords
  • IBD
  • Complication
  • Emerging therapies
  • Fistula
  • Fistulizing
  • Flap
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Mesh
  • Prosthesis
  • Reconstruction
  • Rectal
  • Rectum
  • Vagina
Citation (ISO format)
MEYER, Jérémy et al. Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn’s disease: when and how to operate? In: Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 2022, vol. 35, n° 1, p. 10–20. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1740029
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
Journal ISSN1530-9681
224views
0downloads

Technical informations

Creation27/01/2022 07:16:00
First validation27/01/2022 07:16:00
Update13/10/2025 15:23:45
Status update16/03/2023 06:31:21
Last indexation19/12/2025 10:48:37
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack