Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer healed by nonoperative treatment

Highlights • Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is one of the complications after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. • RVF has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment. • We report a case of RVF in which conservative treatment was successful.
Background Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a serious complication after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique. RVF following this procedure has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection for early rectal cancer developed RVF on the 12th postoperative day. Conservative treatment was chosen and was successful. She was discharged from the hospital after 3 weeks with a normal oral diet. Colonoscopy on the 50th postoperative day showed that the RVF was closed. Conclusion Conservative treatment may be effective for RVF after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique when there is no evidence of defecation through the vagina.