About Repair of Rectovaginal Fistula
Key Highlights
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Restores normal anatomical separation between the rectum and vagina.Eliminates distressing symptoms like involuntary passage of stool or gas through the vagina.Significantly improves personal hygiene, comfort, and quality of life.Performed by specialists with expertise in pelvic floor anatomy.Utilizes various surgical approaches tailored to the individual patient's condition.
Who is this surgery for?
- Obstetric injury during prolonged or difficult childbirth (most common cause).
- Complications from pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy or rectal surgery.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
- Radiation therapy for pelvic cancers (e.g., cervical, rectal).
- Trauma or infection in the pelvic region.
- Presence of symptoms like fecal incontinence, vaginal discharge of gas or stool, or recurrent vaginal infections.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including imaging (MRI, endoanal ultrasound) to map the fistula.
- Bowel preparation with a clear liquid diet and laxatives or enemas to empty the colon.
- Pre-operative antibiotics to minimize infection risk.
- Discussion and management of any underlying conditions like Crohn's disease.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Injury to surrounding structures like the anal sphincter, which could affect continence.
- Pain or discomfort during the healing period.
- Scar tissue formation (stricture) in the vagina or rectum.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and dietary progression.
- Stool softeners or a low-residue diet to prevent straining during bowel movements.
- Meticulous perineal hygiene with sitz baths to keep the area clean.
- Avoidance of sexual intercourse and strenuous activities (like heavy lifting) for the advised period.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess surgical success.
- Gradual return to normal activities as guided by the surgeon, based on individual healing.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering repair of rectovaginal fistula in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for repair of rectovaginal fistula in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, 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 repair of rectovaginal fistula. MediFyr helps you compare obstetrics and gynaecologists 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 repair of rectovaginal fistula compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Repair of Rectovaginal Fistula in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology teams and experience managing patients undergoing repair of rectovaginal fistula.
Sarah Reddy, a 42-year-old software project...
Sarah Reddy, a 42-year-old software project manager and mother of two, had a traumatic forceps delivery with her second child four months ago. Since then, she has been experiencing involuntary passage of gas and occasional liquid stool through her vagina, along with recurrent vaginal infections and a persistent foul odor. This has made her feel unclean and deeply self-conscious, withdrawing from intimacy with her husband and avoiding social gatherings. Her GP referred her to a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who diagnosed a rectovaginal fistula. The doctor explained that the tear from childbirth had failed to heal and recommended a surgical repair, stating it was the definitive treatment to restore normal anatomy and function. Sarah underwent a transvaginal repair under general anaesthesia. The immediate post-operative period was challenging, with pain, a temporary catheter, and a strict liquid diet. However, after six weeks of a gradual return to solid foods and pelvic rest, her symptoms completely resolved. Emotionally, Sarah journeyed from humiliation and isolation to immense relief and regained confidence. She feels like herself again and is slowly re-engaging with her life and relationship.
Obstetrics and Gynaecologists for Repair of Rectovaginal Fistula
Explore experienced obstetrics and gynaecologists who regularly perform repair of rectovaginal fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 29 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 27 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
- 16 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
- 13 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
- 13 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore