Rectovaginal Fistula

A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina through which intestinal secretions or stool may pass from the vagina. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls under the category of “穿阴瘘” (chuān yīn lòu, a fistula involving the vagina).

TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Stool passing from the vagina, frequent passage of gas from the vagina, or vaginal discharge, accompanied by dry mouth, fever, and dark yellow urine; a red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating; and a wiry, rapid pulse.

In plain language:

  • Stool may pass from the vagina, or gas may frequently pass from the vagina, much like passing gas, or vaginal discharge may occur.
  • There may also be dry mouth, fever, and dark yellow urine.
  • The tongue may appear somewhat red.
  • The tongue coating may be yellow and thick or greasy.
  • The pulse may feel taut and relatively fast.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Clear heat and drain dampness

In plain language:

  • Reduce excessive internal heat and ease discomfort such as redness, a burning sensation, dry mouth, thirst, and irritability.
  • Promote the elimination of dampness and turbidity, and ease sensations of heaviness and stickiness, swelling, increased discharge, and a thick, greasy tongue coating.

|Related Formulas

The following products are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Longdan Xiegan Tang

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Stool passing from the vagina or frequent passage of gas from the vagina, accompanied by tidal fever and night sweats; a red tongue with little coating; and a fine, rapid pulse.

In plain language:

  • Stool may pass from the vagina, or gas may frequently pass from the vagina, much like passing gas.
  • There may also be episodes of feeling hot and sweating at night.
  • The tongue may look red, with very little coating.
  • The pulse may feel fine and somewhat fast.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Nourish yin, clear heat, and drain dampness

In plain language:

  • Nourish the body’s fluids and yin, and help settle internal heat and deficiency heat, easing discomfort such as dry mouth, tidal fever, and irritability.
  • Promote the elimination of dampness and turbidity, ease feelings of heaviness and stickiness and increased discharge, and reduce signs such as swelling and a thick, greasy tongue coating.

|Related Formulas

The following products are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Zhibai Dihuang Wan

References

  1. Brown HW，Wang L，Bunker CH，et al. Lower reproductive tract fistula repairs in inpatient US women, 1979-2006[J]. Int Urogy-necol J，2012，23(4)：403-410.
  2. Zhong Banghua，Dong Ming. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of rectovaginal fistula[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery，2013，33(8)：701-703.