What complications can easily arise from rectovaginal fistula?

The length of the posterior wall adjacent to the female rectum and vagina is approximately 9cm. Rectovaginal fistula can occur in any part of the body due to trauma, inflammation, and other diseases. It is the most common fecal fistula in obstetrics and gynecology clinical practice and can cause other complications.

1. Vaginitis: If the vaginal opening is closed, the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina are close to each other. Under the influence of estrogens, vaginal epithelial cells proliferate, epidermal cells keratinize, and the vaginal pH value is maintained at pH4-5, inhibiting the reproduction of anaerobes and other alkaline-adapted pathogens. When the natural defensive function of the vagina is impaired, pathogens can easily invade and cause vaginitis.

2. Intestinal Obstruction: Generally speaking, intestinal obstruction refers to the hindrance of intestinal contents passing through, indicating intestinal impassability. The intestines here usually refer to the small intestine (jejunum, ileum) and the colon (ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon). Acute intestinal obstruction is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions in emergency rooms. Due to various reasons, the mortality rate is still high, approximately 5%-10%; if intestinal strangulation occurs again, the mortality rate can rise to 10%-20%.