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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 28, 2011; 17(8): 963-967
Published online Feb 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i8.963
Published online Feb 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i8.963
Current treatment of rectovaginal fistula in Crohn’s disease
Yan-Fei Zhu, Guo-Qing Tao, Ning Zhou, Chen Xiang, Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: Zhu YF and Tao GQ designed the research; Zhu YF wrote the paper; Zhou N and Xiang C searched the references and analyzed them.
Correspondence to: Yan-Fei Zhu, MD, Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi 214023, Jiangsu Province, China. zhuyanfei_2002@163.com
Telephone: +86-510-85350091 Fax: +86-510-82828435
Received: September 22, 2010
Revised: December 1, 2010
Accepted: December 8, 2010
Published online: February 28, 2011
Revised: December 1, 2010
Accepted: December 8, 2010
Published online: February 28, 2011
Abstract
Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) continues to be the most difficult perianal manifestation of Crohn’s disease to treat. This devastating and disabling complication has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and presents unique management challenges. Current therapeutic approaches include many medical therapeutics and surgical treatments with a wide range of success rates reported. However, current evidence is lacking to support any recommendation. The choice of repair depends on various patient and disease factors and basic surgical tenets. In this article, we review the current options to consider in the treatment of Crohn’s-related RVF, and try to evaluate their effects on fistulae closure and quality of life.
Keywords: Rectovaginal fistula, Crohn’s disease, Advancement flap, Treatment, Relapse