Isolated recto-vaginal septum injury during parturition: Single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Traumatic rectal injuries are uncommon and can originate due to various causes. Rectal injuries have a high morbidity, regardless of cause, and detection at the time of occurrence is important to prevent fistula formation and/or stoma. In this article, treatment approaches in patients with isolated rectovaginal septum injury without perineal and sphincter injury during spontaneous vaginal delivery are presented and the current literature is reviewed. METHODS: The records of spontaneous vaginal deliveries that resulted in live births between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively at our center. The records of patients with isolated rectovaginal septum injury were evaluated in terms of demographic and obstetric data, trauma, classification of injury, and early and late results. RESULTS: Isolated septum injuries were detected 12 women (0.06%). Of the isolated rectovaginal septum injuries, 9 (75%) were classified as Type III, 2 (16.6%) as Type IV, and 1 (8.3%) as a Type V injury according to the Rosenshein classification. Transvaginal repair was performed because all of the injuries underwent early surgical intervention, were limited, and exploration through the vagina was possible. CONCLUSION: Rectal examination should be performed simultaneously with a detailed perineal examination after vaginal delivery. For birth-related rectal injuries detected early in appropriate patients, a primary repair without diversion stoma may be the best option.