Successful endoscopic closure of a refractory postoperative rectovaginal fistula

Background and study aims A 71-year old female who received low anterior resection for rectal cancer visited Komatsu Municipal Hospital with complaints of passing feces from the vagina. Endoscopic examination revealed a postsurgical rectovaginal fistula. Medical approaches, including nonoperative management, initial endoscopic closure, transvaginal and endorectal surgery, and fecal diversion, were unsuccessful. Therefore, the patient underwent endoscopy with a pre-procedural endoscopic creation of mucosal pin holes around the fistula opening and clip insertion into the rectal wall in combination with electrocautery and clip closure. This novel approach was effective in achieving permanent closure of the fistula in a single procedure. Most rectovaginal fistulas are surgically managed, however, surgery may be more difficult, invasive, and unsatisfactory for refractory fistulas. Although endoscopic treatment with over-the-scope clips has been increasingly used as a less invasive approach for gastrointestinal fistulas with favorable results, it is not as effective for refractory rectovaginal fistulas. As a minimally invasive surgical procedure, this approach might be effective in small rectovaginal fistulas, particularly refractory ones.