 a rectovaginal fistula is a medical condition where there is a fistula or abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina. rectovaginal fistula may be extremely debilitating. if the opening between the rectum and vagina is wide it will allow both flatulence and feces to escape through the vagina, leading to fecal incontinence. there is an association with recurrent urinary and vaginal infections. this type of fistula can cause pediatricians to misdiagnose imperforate anus. the severity of the symptoms will depend on the size of fistula. most often, it appears after about one week or so following delivery. ==causes== rectovaginal fistula are often the result of trauma during childbirth (in which case it is known as obstetric fistula) in situations where there is inadequate health care, such as in some developing countries. rectovaginal fistula is said to be known as the leading cause in maternal death in developing countries (landry, 926). risk factors include prolonged labour, difficult instrumental delivery and paramedian episiotomy. rates in eritrea are estimated as high as 350 per 100,000 vaginal births. fistulas can also develop as a result of physical trauma to either the vagina or anus, including from rape. women with rectovaginal fistulae are often stigmatized in developing countries, and become outcasts.http://www.msmagazine.com/spring2005/congo.asp rectovaginal fistula can also be a symptom of various diseases, including infection by lymphogranuloma venereum, or the unintended result of surgery, such as episiotomy or sexual reassignment surgery. they may present as a complication of vaginal surgery, including vaginal hysterectomy. they are a recognized presentation of rectal carcinoma or rarely diverticular disease of the bowel or crohn's disease. they are seen rarely after radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. ==treatment== after diagnosing rectovaginal fistula, it is best to wait for around 3 months to allow the
Congenital_disorders_of_female_genital_organs Fistulas Noninflammatory_disorders_of_female_genital_tract Rectum