Rectovaginal Fistula in Women With Pessary for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present a series of 2 cases of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) due to the use of a ring-type pessary in the conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and a literature review on the management of RVF related to the use of pessaries.

METHODS

Two patients were selected from the medical records of the urogynecology service, and their demographic and clinical data were retrieved. An updated literature review was included presenting cases of RVF induced by or after use of a pessary.

RESULTS

Both patients evolved with removal of the pessary and correction of the fistula. The surgical procedures of choice were Le Fort Colpocleisis and posterior colporraphy without major complications. In the literature review, we selected 17 studies with a total of 23 cases reporting RVFs induced or followed by the use of pessaries.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the pessary is commonly indicated for the conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, this device is not exempt from generating complications.