Does a 57 year old lady needs R.V.F operation?

Question

I am a 57 year old lady suffering from Recto vaginal Fistula.I gave bith to a baby when I was 21 year old and had to have few stiches which did not heal properly.All these years I had no problem but since last couple of years I am having some problem which are I am afraid may be for R.V.F.What should I do.Is there any other way other than operation? If not then how major or minor it will be?
Will it be very painful? Will it need total anasthesia or local?
Please advice.

Answer 1

If you have RVF, yes, surgery is necessary as there are no non-surgical treatments. This condition can be very debilitating. You have an opening between your rectum and vagina. When you have bowel movements or gas, they pass via both openings. The passing of fecal material via the vagina sets you up for consistent vaginal and urinary tract infections.

It is much harder to answer your questions regarding the surgery. There are several ways it can be done and, without knowing what your doctor has recommended, it is hard for me to give you the details. It would be best to ask him those questions.

Regardless of which procedure is performed, the surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia (put to sleep). You will either have a catheter inserted in your bladder prior to surgery or while you are under anesthesia (depends on the doctor's preference). It will still be in place when you wake up. You will probably also have a drain which will be removed from 1 to 5 days after surgery. It is surgery, so yes, there will be pain but the doctor will order pain medication for you. I hope this helps. (I'm an R.N.)