Clinical experiences of five cases with ulcerative colitis and recto- or anovaginal fistula]

Clinical aspects, treatment and outcome of five patients with ulcerative colitis recto- or anovaginal fistula and were studied retrospectively. All patients had total colitis (relapse and remission type) and more than a 5 year history of ulcerative colitis. They all had anorectal complications, such as periproctal abscess, stenosis of fistula. Four patients had total colectomy with an ileal pouch anal canal anastomosis for intractability or dysplasia. One was treated conservatively. Complete closure of fistula was obtained in two patients;in one patient rectum was resected below the fistula and in one patient defect of the vaginal posterior wall was reconstructed by using a gluteal fold flap following colectomy. Recto- or anovaginal fistula complicating ulcerative colitis is rare but may occur in the patients with severe rectal inflammation and they can be managed by restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch anal or anal canal anastomosis.