Symptoms of a vaginal fistula can cause embarrassment to the sufferer but in many cases they can be treated effectively. Surgery will be offered in most cases but you may also be prescribed medication if your fistula was caused by infection.
MEDICINAL
Antibiotics
If your fistula developed from an infection or the surrounding area is infected you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics prior to any further intervention. You may also be offered antibiotic treatment if your fistula is due to inflammatory bowel disease.
Infliximab
Infliximab or Remicade as it is also known as is used to treat inflammation in those suffering from Crohn’s or other forms of inflammatory bowel disease. This has also shown to help heal a fistula is IBD is the root cause.
SURGICAL
The majority of fistulas will need surgical intervention to full heal. The operation will involve either or both a gynaecology surgeon and colorectal surgeon depending on the type of fistula.
The surgeon will remove the tract and close the opening by sewing healthy pieces of tissue together. This may involve:
- Attaching an anal fistula plug or a piece of biologic mesh which will grow with and heal the fistula
- Repair the damaged anal sphincter muscles if damage occurred from a recto-vaginal fistula
- A tissue graft or flap created from a nearby part of the body to cover the fistula
- In very complex cases, a colostomy may be created to divert waste away from the fistula site to allow healing to take place. In most instances this is only a temporary measure and the colostomy will be reversed once the fistula is healed.
Further Information
Further information and downloads can be found in the downloads section. Living with a bladder or bowel condition can affect you emotionally and socially; sometimes it can help to speak to others who understand your situation. The Bladder & Bowel Community Closed Facebook Group is available and moderated to allow a supportive environment for discussion, to allow you to connect with those who share your condition. Start your own topic today or just follow one that interests you.
