SCHISTOSOMIASIS AS A CAUSE OF RECTOVAGINAL FISTULA - A BRIEF CASE-REPORT

A high rectovaginal fistula associated with schistosomiasis is reporte d in a 19-year-old Ethiopian woman. The case history is reviewed for c linical presentation, results of preoperative investigations, and oper ative and pathologic findings. Operative treatment consisted of a low anterior resection with division of the fistula and primary colorectal anastomosis. Histologic analysis confirmed that this rectovaginal fis tula was caused by schistosomal eggs. Schistosomiasis is identified as a cause of high rectovaginal fistula, and may be managed effectively by low anterior resection.