Colovaginal Fistula Treatment in India
About Colovaginal Fistula
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment to eliminate the abnormal connection between bowel and vagina.Resolution of distressing symptoms like fecal vaginal discharge and recurrent infections.Can often be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques for less pain and faster recovery.Restores normal anatomy and significantly improves quality of life and personal hygiene.Addresses the underlying cause, which is often related to diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, or prior surgery/radiation.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent passage of stool or gas through the vagina (fecal vaginal discharge).
- Recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections due to the fistula.
- Failure of conservative management or non-surgical treatments.
- Fistula caused by diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or colorectal cancer.
- Fistula resulting from complications of prior pelvic surgery, childbirth, or radiation therapy.
- Significant impact on the patient's quality of life, hygiene, and social functioning.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including colonoscopy and imaging (CT scan or MRI fistulogram) to map the fistula.
- Bowel preparation (clear liquid diet and laxatives) to empty the colon before surgery.
- Pre-operative antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- Discussion and management of any underlying conditions like Crohn's disease.
- Temporary cessation of certain medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by the surgeon.
- Nutritional optimization if the patient is malnourished due to chronic symptoms.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the abdomen/pelvis.
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Damage to surrounding structures like the bladder, ureters, or other parts of the intestine.
- Leakage from the bowel anastomosis (reconnection site), which is a serious complication.
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) leading to future bowel obstruction.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring bowel function returns.
- Gradual advancement from clear liquids to a soft, low-residue diet as tolerated.
- Incision care and instructions on keeping the surgical area clean and dry.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for several weeks as advised.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the fistula has not recurred.
- Prompt reporting of any fever, severe pain, or renewed vaginal discharge to the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering colovaginal fistula in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for colovaginal fistula in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform colovaginal fistula. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for colovaginal fistula compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Colovaginal Fistula in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing colovaginal fistula.
Chennai, India
250 DoctorsIshaan Brown, a 68-year-old retired engineer,...
Ishaan Brown, a 68-year-old retired engineer, had a history of diverticulitis. For the past four months, he experienced persistent foul-smelling vaginal discharge, recurrent urinary tract infections, and abdominal discomfort. Initially embarrassed, he attributed it to age. After a CT scan and methylene blue test confirmed a colovaginal fistula, his surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a laparoscopic fistula resection with primary anastomosis. Ishaan was anxious about surgery at his age. The procedure went smoothly, and after a five-day hospital stay managing pain and initiating a liquid diet, he transitioned to soft foods at home. Six weeks post-op, his symptoms resolved completely. Emotionally, he moved from shame and isolation to profound relief and regained confidence, deeply grateful for the restoration of his normal life.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Colovaginal Fistula
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform colovaginal fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist