Gracilis transposition flap for repair of an acquired rectovaginal fistula in a pediatric patient

Abstract

Acquired rectovaginal fistulas in the pediatric population are relatively rare but are often difficult to treat. We describe a young girl who acquired a neorectovaginal fistula after a repeat pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease. Durable repair of the fistula was accomplished with a gracilis transposition flap, providing a well-vascularized muscle buttress between the neorectum and vagina. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a gracilis flap in a pediatric patient with an acquired fistula and should be considered for this complication after pull-through for Hirschsprung's as well as for other perineal fistulas such as those acquired after trauma, infection, or in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease.