Rectovaginal Fistula as a Complication to a Bartholin Gland Excision

Abstract

Rectovaginal fistula is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease, obstetric trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation, and trauma. We present a rectovaginal fistula occurring after an excision of a Bartholin gland. A healthy 43-year-old woman presented with flatus per vagina immediately after a Bartholin gland excision. She had a history of recurrent Bartholin abscess and had undergone multiple incision and drainage procedures of this cyst over the past 6 years. On rectovaginal examination, the patient was found to have a rectovaginal fistula and subsequently underwent successful transvaginal repair. Rectovaginal fistula can occur after excision of a Bartholin gland. This case report illustrates a rare and serious complication to a commonly performed gynecologic procedure.