Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery
Volume 17, Issue 2 , Pages 68-75 , June 2006

The Management of Rectovaginal Fistulas in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  • Benjamin Person, MD
  • ,
  • Juan J. Nogueras, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress reprint requests to: J.J. Nogueras, MD, Department of Colorectal Surgery, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd., Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33332.

References 

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PII: S1043-1489(06)00059-5

doi: 10.1053/j.scrs.2006.06.005

Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery
Volume 17, Issue 2 , Pages 68-75 , June 2006