Laparoscopic stapler repair of high rectovaginal fistula: A case report

Abstract

For thousands of years, women simply tolerated the distressing symptoms generated by rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs). This is no longer necessary because most RVFs can be surgically corrected via a number of approaches. Most rectovaginal fistulas are ac quired; obstetric injury alone accounts for nearly 88% of the cases. The high fistulas are repaired by abdominal approach, while middle or low fistulas are best approached perineally. There are only few case reports of laparoscopic RVF repair noted in literature till date. Laparoscopic repair of RVF is challenging and requires advanced laparoscopic skill. Laparoscopy is a better alternative in selected cases of RVF and yields faster recovery and good patient compliance. We present a case of high RVF managed laparoscopically by using stapler.