[Proctomucosectomy and colo-anal anastomosis in rectovaginal fistula following the use of suppositories containing ergotamine]

Abstract

We observed a rectovaginal fistula in 2 patients who had applied ergotamine suppositories against migraine headaches. The local effect of ergotamine on the rectum mucosa as well as the higher systemic concentration after rectal application seem to promote the development of a rectovaginal fistula. Different methods for the surgical fistula repair are discussed, depending on location and diameter of the fistula. In our patients we have carried out the abdomino-transanal resection of the rectum with sutured colo-anal anastomosis.