Vaginal Fistulas

Treatment

Your vaginal fistula may require surgery to close the opening. Conservative (nonsurgical) therapy is sometimes effective. Doctors usually treat vaginal fistulas with surgery through your abdomen or vagina. Some cases can be treated with laparoscopic or robotic surgery.

• Surgery. Most fistulas require surgical repair, and the location determines whether your surgeon performs the procedure through your abdomen or your vagina. If your fistula is related to Crohn's disease (usually rectal fistulas), your doctor may need to remove a part of your intestine.
• Conservative therapy. If you've never had cancer or radiation therapy, you may have a simple vaginal fistula. In that case, your doctor may prescribe at least four weeks of constant bladder drainage. For a simple rectovaginal fistula, your doctor may ask you to change your diet and use fiber supplements.