title: Forgotten vaginal pessary eroding into rectum.
abstract: Vaginal pessaries still have a role in the management of uterine prolapse, particularly in elderly patients. However, they are known to cause serious complications if proper care is not taken. We present a case of a rectovaginal fistula, developing secondary to a forgotten vaginal pessary. The shelf pessary was found to have eroded through into the rectum. A review of the relevant literature was undertaken and complications associated with vaginal pessaries are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hanavadi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Durham-Hall
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oke
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aston
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D010570:Pessaries / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D012007:Rectum; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000628:therapy*