Predictors of outcome for treatment of enterovaginal fistula

Background Enterovaginal fistulas represent a serious complication of various diseases and therapeutic procedures, often associated with complicated clinical courses and massive impairment of quality of life. As underlying conditions and procedures are multifarious, therapeutic approaches are challenging and have to be tailored individually. As the therapeutic management is complex and individualized, multiple surgical interventions might be necessary. Methods The aim of this study was to identify possible predictors for outcome in the treatment enterovaginal fistula patients. The study was realized as a retrospective analysis. Ninety-two patients treated with enterovaginal fistulas between 2004 and 2016 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, therapeutic data, and endoscopic findings were stratified according to etiology, closure rate and time, as well as recurrence of fistula. Main outcome measure was the overall rate of fistula closure. Results Overall therapeutic success rate was 67.4%. Postoperatively derived fistulas were most frequent (40.2%), mainly after rectal surgery (59.5%). Postoperative and non-IBD-inflammation associated fistulas had better outcome than IBD-, radiotherapy-, and tumor-related fistulas ( p = 0.001). Successful fistula closure was observed more frequently after radical surgical interventions, best results observed after transabdominal surgery ( p < 0.001). Fistula recurrence was also less frequently observed after radical surgical therapies ( p = 0.029). A temporary stoma was associated with higher incidence of fistula closure ( p = 0.013) and lower incidence of fistula recurrence ( p = 0.042) in the postoperative subgroup, as well as shortened therapy period in all groups ( p = 0.031). Conclusion Enterovaginal fistulas are a result of various etiologies, and treatment should be adjusted accordingly. A very sustainable, rapid, and persistent therapeutic success can be expected after radical surgical approaches with temporary diverting stoma. This is especially true for postoperatively derived fistulas.