A female patient suffered a rare rectal perforation during cosmetic genital surgery at a beauty clinic, severely disrupting her life and affecting her mental well-being. Fortunately, when she sought help at FV Hospital, doctors successfully treated her condition.

Life Turned Upside Down After a Cosmetic Surgery Accident

In April 2023, during a cosmetic vaginal surgery at a beauty clinic, Ms L.T.N.N., 36 years old, from Binh Phuoc, suffered a complication that led to a perforation of the wall between the rectum and the vagina. She was immediately transferred to a major hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where doctors performed surgery to repair the perforation and created a temporary colostomy on her abdomen to aid in healing.

However, despite the procedure, rectal waste continued to leak through the vaginal canal. Although doctors provided guidance on wound care and dressing changes, the leakage persisted. Once a healthy woman, Ms N. suddenly faced the challenges of an embarrassing and distressing medical condition. Wearing a colostomy bag was highly inconvenient, and the persistent leakage severely disrupted her daily life, including her intimate relationship with her husband. “At that time, I was extremely anxious and depressed, with only negative thoughts running through my mind,” Ms N. recalled.

In June 2023, Ms N. turned to FV Hospital, seeking a solution to her distressing condition,Specialist Level II, Phan Van Thai, MD, MSc, a surgeon and Head of the General Surgery Department at FV Hospital, personally examined and treated her.

“The perforation, which had been sutured two months earlier, had not healed and had developed into a fistula about the width of a finger. Through this opening, waste from the rectum continued to leak into the vaginal canal. Moreover, the fistula showed signs of infection. We couldn’t proceed with surgery right away, as the infection would significantly increase the risk of failure. The inflammation had to be treated first,” explained Dr Thai. To control the infection around the fistula, the patient underwent outpatient treatment and multiple follow-ups at FV Hospital before surgery could be considered.

Repairing a Rectovaginal Fistula: A Complex and High-Risk Surgery

Six months later, after successfully controlling the infection around the fistula, Dr Thai determined that the patient was ready for surgery. He proceeded with the operation to repair the rectovaginal fistula for the patient.

The surgery was performed with two main objectives: first, to adjust the colostomy to prevent waste from leaking downward; and second, to repair the fistula. Since the patient’s initial surgery at another medical facility had failed, leading to the formation of rigid scar tissue around the fistula, this second operation was significantly more challenging.

The surgical team carried out the procedure with great precision. Dr Thai carefully separated the rectum and the vagina, which were extremely thin and had adhered closely due to scarring from the previous surgery. After dissection, the openings of the fistula were sutured closed. To enhance the success of the surgery, Dr Thai used a low-energy bipolar electrosurgical instrument with a small, sharp tip, allowing for meticulous tissue separation, ensuring high accuracy and minimizing tissue damage. Additionally, he employed an autologous fat graft technique, placing a layer between the rectal and vaginal walls, creating a tissue cushion to separate the sutures and promote healing.

The surgery lasted two hours and proceeded smoothly as planned. “Although I had prepared myself for this treatment, I still felt anxious when Dr Thai explained the risks of the second surgery. Fortunately, the surgery was very successful,” shared Ms N.

Post-surgery care was meticulously managed by the FV Hospital medical team. Upon discharge, the patient received instructions on wound care and bandage changes, along with scheduled regular monthly follow-up appointments. By the fourth month, a clinical examination, lab tests, and an MRI confirmed that the wound had completely healed, with no further leakage. With no signs of recurrence, Dr Thai proceeded with closing the colostomy, allowing Ms N. to return to a normal life.

“I rate FV Hospital 5 stars for their service.”

After nearly a year of follow-up and treatment at FV Hospital, Ms N. has fully recovered, regained control of her bowel movements, and resumed a normal married life. This has greatly improved her well-being and restored her joy in life.

“Throughout this time, Dr Thai provided me with thorough and dedicated consultations and treatments, successfully curing my condition. I’m very grateful to him! As for the service quality at FV Hospital, I rate it 5 stars,” Ms N. happily shared.

Currently, the demand for cosmetic surgery is rising, along with an increasing number of dangerous complications that leave patients facing both financial and physical consequences. Treating these complications often require a lengthy recovery process, causing distress and anxiety for patients. Dr Thai advises individuals to carefully choose a reputable and professional medical facility for cosmetic procedures to avoid any unexpected risks.

For more information about the treatment of rectal surgery-related conditions, please contact the General Surgery Department at FV Hospital at (028) 54 11 33 33.