Transsphincteric approach for rectovaginal fistulas repair / 中华胃肠外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the safety and feasibility of the posterior transsphincteric approach for rectovaginal fistulas repair.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Data of 23 cases of rectovaginal fistulas treated by the transsphincteric approach in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from April 1994 to May 2014 were reviewed. The success rate of this surgical procedure and the postoperative complications were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The procedure of the transsphincteric approach for the repair of rectovaginal fistulas was performed successfully in all 23 cases. Three patients(13%) suffered surgical wound infection, which healed after regular dressing changes. In 19 cases, the fistulas were successfully repaired with an initial healing rate of 82.6%. The surgical repair failed to accomplish initial healing in 3 cases(13%). No complications including rectocutaneous fistula or anal sphincter malfunction occurred in these patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The transsphincteric approach for the repair of rectovaginal fistulas is a safe and feasible procedure with a good success rate.</p>