Abstract
IntroductionRectovaginal fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the anterior wall of the rectum and the posterior wall of the vagina. Many surgical techniques have been described in the treatment of RVF. However, none has proved its superiority. The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment of RVF using Martius and Falandry techniques in order to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of these techniques which were first described for vesico-vaginal fistulas. MethodsThe study was a retrospective case series conducted in a single centre: Department of general surgery at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat. We included patients with rectovaginal fistula consecutively recruited from 2011 to 2014. 10 patients developed RVF after surgery for rectal cancer (9 cases), uterine cancer (1 case). One patient had RVF for ano-rectal malformation. Colostomy was performed before the treatment of fistula in 9 cases (82 %). They underwent surgical treatment using Falandry (8 patients) and Martius techniques (3 patients) performed by an experienced urologist surgeon. ResultsNo postoperative complications were recorded. Time to discharge was postoperative day 3–4. There was a complete disappearance of RVF in 8 patients (72.7 % of cases), relapse in 2 cases (18 %), and failure in one case (9%). The average follow-up was 12.6 +/-10 months. Functionally, no long-term cases of fecal incontinence or dyspareunia were noted. ConclusionThe choice of surgical technique in the treatment of RVF remains difficult because of poor literature data and absence of consensus. RVF repair results either by Martius or Falandry techniques are encouraging with low morbidity.
Highlights
Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the anterior wall of the rectum and the posterior wall of the vagina
Many surgical techniques have been described in the treatment of RVF
The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment of RVF using Martius and Falandry techniques in order to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of these techniques which were first described for vesico-vaginal fistulas
Summary
Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the anterior wall of the rectum and the posterior wall of the vagina. The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment of RVF using Martius and Falandry techniques in order to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of these techniques which were first described for vesico-vaginal fistulas. Colostomy was performed before the treatment of fistula in 9 cases (82 %). They underwent surgical treatment using Falandry (8 patients) and Martius techniques (3 patients) performed by an experienced urologist surgeon. CONCLUSION: The choice of surgical technique in the treatment of RVF remains difficult because of poor literature data and absence of consensus. RVF repair results either by Martius or Falandry techniques are encouraging with low morbidity. Many surgical techniques have been described in the treatment of RVF. Often the repair procedure is preceded by fecal stoma to reduce intra-rectal pressure and the risk of sepsis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
