title: Rectovaginal fistula as a complication to a Bartholin gland excision.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rectovaginal fistula is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease, obstetric trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation, and trauma. We present a rectovaginal fistula occurring after an excision of a Bartholin gland.
  
  
  METHODS
  A healthy 43-year-old woman presented with flatus per vagina immediately after a Bartholin gland excision. She had a history of recurrent Bartholin abscess and had undergone multiple incision and drainage procedures of this cyst over the past 6 years. On rectovaginal examination, the patient was found to have a rectovaginal fistula and subsequently underwent successful transvaginal repair.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rectovaginal fistula can occur after excision of a Bartholin gland. This case report illustrates a rare and serious complication to a commonly performed gynecologic procedure.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Health Partners, Muskegon, Michigan; and Section of Urogynecology/Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zoulek
authors.forename: Deborah R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Karp
authors.forename: G Willy
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Davila
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000601:surgery*; D057785:Catheters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome