2020 Volume 73 Issue 1 Pages 42-46
We report a case of intractable recto-vaginal fistula after rectal cancer cured by conservative treatment. The case was a woman in her 40s. Laparoscopic low anterior resection and double stapling technique (DST) anastomosis were performed for rectal cancer. Postoperatively, suture failure was found and ileostomy was performed. Recto-vaginal fistula was diagnosed by close examination for colostomy closure. Transvaginal fistula closure, endoscopic clip closure, and tissue adhesive injection into the fistula were ineffective. After taking estriol tablets for three years after the diagnosis, the fistula disappeared at 4 months of lower GI imaging. We performed closure of colostomy in the fifth year. No recurrence of recto-vaginal fistula was noted at the follow-up. It is considered non-invasive and one of the treatment options for recto-vaginal fistula.
