Interposition grafts for rectovaginal fistula repair in the New Zealand white rabbit.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS:

The objective was to use an animal model to study different types of interposition grafts for rectovaginal fistula repair.

METHODS:

Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgical creation of a rectovaginal fistula, followed by repair. Four repair techniques were studied; three with interposition grafts and one control group without a graft. Animals were euthanized at 4-week intervals and underwent gross and histologic analysis.

RESULTS:

The mean rectovaginal wall thickness was greatest in the control group (5.6 mm) and thinnest in the autologous rectus fascia (4.2 mm) and porcine small intestine submucosa (5.1 mm) groups. The polypropylene graft had a mean thickness of 5.4 mm and elicited a strong, protracted inflammatory response. All fistulas were successfully closed except one porcine small intestine submucosa repair.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is no benefit from interposition graft use for rectovaginal fistula repair in our New Zealand white rabbit model.

• Authors: Matthew J Aungst, Jeremy J Bearss, Bridget S Lewis, John R Fischer, Michael R Bonhage, Johnnie Wright Jr
• Journal: International urogynecology journal (Int Urogynecol J) Vol. 21 Issue 6 Pg. 737-42 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1433-3023 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20143048 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biocompatible Materials
• Polypropylenes

Topics

• Animals
• Biocompatible Materials (adverse effects)
• Bioprosthesis (adverse effects)
• Female
• Gynecologic Surgical Procedures (adverse effects, methods)
• Inflammation (etiology, pathology)
• Intestinal Mucosa (transplantation)
• Polypropylenes (adverse effects)
• Rabbits
• Rectovaginal Fistula (surgery)
• Transplantation, Autologous (adverse effects)