Rectovaginal fistula: Twenty years of rectovaginal repair

Stapled transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair for low- and mid-level rectovaginal fistulas: A comparison study with rectal mucosal advancement flap repair

BACKGROUND

As an innovative treatment, stapled transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair (STR) for rectovaginal fistula (RVF) has demonstrated effectiveness in preliminary reports. This study aims to compare STR with rectal mucosal advancement flap repair (RAF), a widely utilized surgical procedure, for the surgical outcome of the low- and mid-level RVF.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with low- and mid-level RVF who underwent STR or RAF were included from both the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Xi'an Daxing Hospital. Among the 99 total patients, 77 underwent STR and 22 underwent RAF. Patient demographics, operative data, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Recurrence rate and associated risk factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences among patients in terms of clinical characteristics like age, BMI, aetiology, and fistula features. During the follow-up period of 20 months (interquartile range 3.0-41.8 months), a total of 28 patients relapsed, with a significantly lower recurrence rate in the STR group (20.8 %) than in the RAF group (54.6 %) (P = 0.005). In the multivariate Cox analysis, STR was an independent protective factor against recurrence (HR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.17-0.79, P = 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between these two procedures in terms of surgical complications (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.19-1.48, P = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

For low- and mid-level RVF, STR may be an alternative option for treatment modality that offers a lower recurrence rate, without observed disadvantage in terms of surgical complication rates.

Case Report: Abdominal Cocoon With Jejuno-Ileo-Colonic Fistula

Introduction

Abdominal cocoon is a unique peritoneal disease that is frequently misdiagnosed. The occurrence of the abdominal cocoon with a jejuno-ileo-colonic fistula has not been previously reported.

Case Presentation

We admitted a 41-year-old female patient with an abdominal cocoon and a jejuno-ileo-colonic fistula. She was admitted to our hospital for the following reasons: “the menstrual cycle is prolonged for half a year, and fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath for 2 months”. On the morning of the 4th day of admission, the patient experienced sudden, severe, and intolerable abdominal pain after defecating. An emergency abdominal CT examination revealed intestinal obstruction. Surgery was performed, and the small intestine and colon were observed to be conglutinated and twisted into a mass surrounded by a fibrous membrane, and an enteroenteric fistula was observed between the jejunum, ileum, and sigmoid colon. We successfully relieved the intestinal obstruction and performed adhesiolysis. The patient was discharged from our hospital on the 6th postoperative day, then she recovered and was discharged from Feicheng People's Hospital after another 11 days of conservative treatment, and she recovered well-during the 2-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

Abdominal cocoon coexisting with a jejuno-ileo-colonic fistula is very rare. During the process of abdominal cocoon treatment, the patient's medical history should be understood in detail before the operation, and the abdominal organs should be carefully evaluated during the operation to avoid missed diagnoses.

Bartholin's gland abscess a rare cause of rectovaginal fistula: A case report and literature review

Introduction

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is an abnormal communication between the vagina and the rectum. RVFs caused by Bartholin's gland infection are very rare. We present the case of recurrent rectovaginal fistula complicating a bartholin's gland abcess successfully treated with a Martius flap. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the possibility of complication of bartholin's gland infection by a rectovaginal fistula and the efficacy of Martius flap procedure for recurrent RVF of the low third part of the vagina.

Observation

It is a 30-year-old woman admitted to our department for recurrent RVF due to an abscess of the Bartholin's glands. She was previously treated with a vaginal advancement flap which failed with persistence of the fistula and its symptoms. The patient underwent a RVF repair by Martius flap with complete healing of the fistula.

Discussion

Rectovaginal fistula is a complex pathology with psycho-social, individual, family, religious and ethno-environmental repercussions. Its main aetiologies are obstetric, rectal surgery. Several techniques including the vaginal or anal advancement flap and the Martius flap are used for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas. For recurrent fistulas, the Martius flap seems to be the most indicated with better results.

Conclusion

Rectovaginal fistula remain a challenge for surgeons and have major psycho-socio-economic repercussions for the patient. The complication of Bartholin's gland infection by rectovaginal fistula is rare. The Martius flap technique is the method of choice for recurrent rectovaginal fistulas of the lower third of the vagina or in association with other pathologies.

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Recovaginal fistula is a challenge for surgeons.

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The rectovaginale fistula due to Bartholin’s gland abcess is very rare

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Care must be taken during the management of this pathology which affetcs 2% of women during their life for avoiding that complication

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The Martius flap is the method of choice for the treatment of rectovaginale fistula of the low third inferior part of the vagina

Rectovaginal Fistula Repair 1 Year Later: Lessons Learned

INTRODUCTION

Rectovaginal (RV) fistulas are notoriously difficult to treat. Various methods for repair exist, and refinements in techniques can lead to "successful" outcomes. Review of the literature demonstrates that outcomes studies are scarce and mostly limited to comments on closure rate. We have experienced "success" in our own series with 100% closure rate, regardless of fistula etiology and comorbidities (radiation, inflammation, etc). However, long-term outcomes, including various complications and quality of life changes, have previously been underreported.

METHODS

Critical analysis of various outcomes after fistula repair in 14 patients was performed. Patients were surveyed and interviewed with regard to problems before and after fistula repair to obtain objective data focusing on their experience and outcomes. Conclusions are based on physician assessment and patient surveys 1 year after fistula repair and at least 6 months after ostomy reversal and are discussed within the context of data from the literature.

RESULTS

Overall satisfaction rate after repairs was high. All patients would undergo attempt at repair again regardless of complications or functional changes (not present before repair). After repair, sexual dyspareunia affected 5 patients (36%); however, most abstained from sexual activity when their RV fistula became apparent. No patient admitted to dyspareunia before the development of their RV fistula. Anal sphincter and defecation function, as well as stool continence, were judged by surgeons and patients uniformly as adequate. However, 3 patients (21%) complained of intermittent problems with urination. A new/different type of pain affected 2 of 4 patients with Crohn disease. One of these patients subsequently developed a new postsphincteric RV fistula. Another patient noted new intermittent vaginal discharge after ostomy reversal, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a residual fistula, which was not seen on follow-up sigmoidoscopy and "Blue Dye Test."

CONCLUSIONS

We previously reported on algorithms for repair and refinements in techniques for "successful" repair of RV fistulas with zero recurrence rate. Long-term follow-up indicates, however, that although the overall satisfaction rate after surgery is high, true "success," defined as permanent fistula closure, is not necessarily problem free. Long-term morbidity and the management of other unique sequelae and problems are underreported.

Stapled transperineal repair for low- and mid-level rectovaginal fistulas: A 5-year experience and comparison with sutured repair

BACKGROUND

Currently, rectovaginal fistula (RVF) continues to be a surgical challenge worldwide, with a relatively low healing rate. Unclosed intermittent suture and poor suture materials may be the main reasons for this.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of stapled transperineal repair in treating RVF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the Coloproctology Department of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China). Adult patients presenting with RVF who were surgically managed by perineal repair between May 2015 and May 2020 were included. Among the 82 total patients, 37 underwent repair with direct suturing and 45 underwent repair with stapling. Patient demographic data, Wexner faecal incontinence score, and operative data were analyzed. Recurrence rate and associated risk factors were assessed.

RESULTS

The direct suture and stapled repair groups showed similar clinical characteristics for aetiology, surgical history, fistula features, and perioperative Wexner score. The stapled repair group did not show superior results over the suture repair group in regard to operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay. However, the stapled repair group showed better postoperative Wexner score (1.04 ± 1.89 vs 2.73 ± 3.75, P = 0.021), less intercourse pain (1/45 vs 17/37, P = 0.045), and lower recurrence rate (6/45 vs 17/37, P = 0.001). There was no protective effect from previous repair history, smaller diameter of fistula (< 0.5 cm), better control of defecation (Wexner < 10), or stapled repair. Direct suture repair and preoperative high Wexner score (> 10) were risk factors for fistula recurrence. Furthermore, stapled repair gave better efficacy in treating complex RVFs (i.e., multiple transperineal repair history, mid-level fistula position, and poor control of defecation).

CONCLUSION

Stapled transperineal repair is advantageous for management of RVF, providing a high primary healing rate and low recurrence rate.

Rectovaginal Fistulas Secondary to Obstetrical Injury

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF), defined as any abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina, is a complex and debilitating condition. RVF can occur for a variety of reasons, but frequently develops following obstetric injury. Patients with suspected RVF require thorough evaluation, including history and physical examination, imaging, and objective evaluation of the anal sphincter complex. Prior to attempting repair, sepsis must be controlled and the tract allowed to mature over a period of 3 to 6 months. All repair techniques involve reestablishing a healthy, well-vascularized rectovaginal septum, either through reconstruction with local tissue or tissue transfer via a pedicled flap. The selection of a specific repair technique is determined by the level of the fistula tract and the status of the anal sphincter. Despite best efforts, recurrence is common and should be discussed with patients prior to repair. As the ultimate goal of RVF repair is to minimize symptoms and maximize quality of life, patients should help to direct their own care based on the risks and benefits of available treatment options.

A nomogram for predicting rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a complicated and troublesome complication of low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for post-LAR RVF and develop a predictive nomogram.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 821 female patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR between October 2010 and October 2018. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. A nomogram was developed to predict RVF.

RESULTS

The incidence of post-LAR RVF was 3.4% (28/821). A multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative serum hemoglobin level (OR 2.449, 95% CI 1.144-5.239), the distance between the tumor and anal verge (OR 4.158, 95% CI 1.392-12.418), surgical procedure (OR 2.369, 95% CI 1.117-5.027), hysterectomy (OR 2.996, 95% CI 1.106-8.833), and bilateral oophorectomy (OR 5.823, 95% CI 1.639-20.689) were significantly associated with the development of RVF. A nomogram was developed, which showed a C-index of 0.824 (95% CI 0.730-0.918) and an adjusted C-index of 0.790.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the preoperative serum hemoglobin level, the distance between the tumor and the anal verge, the type of surgical procedure, hysterectomy, and bilateral oophorectomy as predictors of post-LAR RVF. A nomogram was successfully developed. It could aid in the prediction of RVF in patients undergoing LAR.

Surgical repair of rectovaginal fistulas: predictors of fistula closure

Introduction and hypothesis

We report the clinical outcome of surgical repair for rectovaginal fistula (RVF) carried out by one operative team. We also investigate the predictive factors for fistula healing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 63 patients underwent local surgical repair of RVF during January 2008 and December 2017 by one operative group. The clinical features of the patients were reviewed. The association between fistula closure and diverse clinical parameters, including operative method, fistula location, prior repair, and diverting stoma, was analyzed.

Results

Sixty-three consecutive patients underwent 80 local surgical repairs by our surgical team. Forty-five patients eventually healed after an average of 1.22 procedures. The overall success rate per procedure was 71.2%, whereas the closure rate of the first operation was 55.5% (n = 35). The etiology of the fistula did not impact on the success rate of surgical repair. The history of prior repair predicted a lower success rate on both overall procedure (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.41–0.85, p = 0.008) and the first repair in our institution (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.31–0.80, p = 0.003). There was no difference in closure rate between the stoma group and the non-stoma group. Nevertheless, among the 15 patients who underwent more than one operation in our center, a diverting stoma seemed to be necessary (10 patients healed in the stoma group and none of the patients healed in the non-stoma group, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

History of prior surgical repair is a risk factor for failure. Diverting stoma did not increase the overall closure rate, but it seemed to be necessary for patients in whom the first operation failed.

Do the Surgical Outcomes of Rectovaginal Fistula Repairs Differ for Obstetric and Nonobstetric Fistulas? A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Rectovaginal fistulas can occur from both obstetric and nonobstetric (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, iatrogenic, or traumatic) etiologies. Current data on factors contributing to rectovaginal repair success or failure are limited, making adequate patient counseling difficult. Our objective was to compare outcomes of transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed in a single referral center on women with obstetric and nonobstetric causes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women who had a transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed by a urogynecologist at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2015. Data were obtained by chart review and included demographics, medical comorbidities, fistula etiology, history of a prior fistula repair, failure of current repair, time to failure, and operative details. Repair failure was defined as fistula symptoms with presence of recurrent fistula on exam or imaging in the postoperative follow-up period. Comparisons between the obstetric and nonobstetric cohorts were performed using χ, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Relative risks were calculated to identify predictors of failure.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight women were included-53 obstetric and 35 nonobstetric fistulas. The overall fistula repair failure rate was 22.7% (n = 20). Median follow-up was 157.0 days (range, 47.5-402.0). Of all the factors, only nonobstetric etiology was significantly associated with an increased risk of repair failure (relative risk, 3.53 [range, 1.50-8.32]; P = 0.004.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas have a nearly 4-fold increased risk of repair failure compared with obstetric fistulas. Our results will help surgeons adequately counsel patients on potential outcomes of surgical repair of obstetric versus nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas.

Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer

Rectovaginal fistula is a postoperative complication of low anterior resection. We investigated the incidence of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection, its risk factors and its optimal treatment. We analyzed data from 1,493 female patients who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal cancer between January 2006 and March 2016. We calculated the incidence of RVF and performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors. Twenty-four patients experienced RVF, giving an incidence of 1.61%. Univariate analysis revealed a short distance between the tumor and the anal verge (p < 0.001), longer surgery duration (p = 0.009), unsatisfactory anastomosis (p < 0.001), and greater intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002) to be risk factors for RVF. Multivariate analysis showed that only distance between the tumor and the anal verge and unsatisfactory anastomosis were risk factors for RVF. Sixteen patients (66.7%) healed within a range of 30-1,225 days (median, 210 days). Twenty-one patients underwent surgery for diverting stoma; of those, 15 of them (71.4%) recovering after ostomy. These results indicate the primary risk factors for RVF are unsatisfactory anastomosis and short distance between the tumor and the anal verge. Most cases of RVF can be healed using a diverting stoma alone, without the need for additional surgery.