[Rectovaginal fistulas in adults].

Recto-vaginal fistulas have multiple causes and a wide range of clinical and anatomical features. Simple fistulas, defined by a low situation, a traumatic origin, and a small size are accessible to simple means of cure. They can be operated from a vaginal approach, with conversion into a third degree perineal tear followed by repair of the perineal body, and the anal canal; they can be managed from a transanal approach, using endorectal flap advancement technique. Complex fistulas, defined by the etiology (IBD, radiation enteritis, cancer, postoperative), a high situation, or a large size, require larger and more sophisticated operations such as a combined abdomino-perineal approach or a muscle flap technique. Among the numerous techniques described for the cure of recto-vaginal fistulas, the authors emphasize those currently used by the most experienced teams of colo-rectal or gynecological surgeons.