Outcomes after repair of rectovaginal fistulas using bioprosthetics.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes with the use of advancement flaps and bioprosthetic grafts for the management of rectovaginal fistulas.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed for all patients treated with a rectovaginal fistula.

RESULTS:

There were 44 patients in the advancement flap group. A mucosal flap repair was performed for 29 patients, and 15 patients had an anodermal flap repair. The mean follow-up was 10 (range, 6-22) months. There were 34 patients in the bioprosthetic repair group. A bioprosthetic interposition graft was used to repair the fistula in 27 patients with a mean follow-up of 12 (range, 6-22) months, and 7 patients had a bioprosthetic plug repair of their fistula with a mean follow-up of 6 (range, 3-12) months. The fistula recurred in 15 patients (34 percent) who were managed by a flap repair, 5 patients (19 percent) who were managed by a bioprosthetic sheet, and 1 patient (14 percent) who was treated with a bioprosthetic plug.

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of bioprosthetics for the management of rectovaginal fistulas is a new technique, which, based on early experience, seems to yield results equal to advancement flap repair.

• Authors: C Neal Ellis
• Journal: Diseases of the colon and rectum (Dis Colon Rectum) Vol. 51 Issue 7 Pg. 1084-8 (Jul 2008) ISSN: 1530-0358 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18478298 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Bioprosthesis
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Prosthesis Design
• Prosthesis Implantation (instrumentation)
• Rectovaginal Fistula (pathology, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Secondary Prevention
• Skin Transplantation (methods)
• Surgical Flaps
• Suture Techniques
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome