Research progress of the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas

Treatment of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is extremely difficult. Successful performing operation to treat RVF is a major challenge, because recurrence has remained common. RVF has significant negative influence on the patient's quality of life and causes social embarrassment. Up to now, no standard surgical technique is accepted worldwide, no ideal treatment option is suitable for all the patients, and no recommendation of clinical treatment guideline of RVF is available. English literatures were reviewed in this article, from the causes of rectovaginal fistula, classification, diagnosis, surgical methods, surgical approach, minimally invasive technology application, perioperative management and the cause of operation failure aspects were reviewed in detail.