Rectovaginal Fistulas In Patients Research Articles

Disease Burden, Treatment Patterns, and Economic Impact of Rectovaginal Fistulas in Patients with Crohn's Disease: Findings from a Retrospective, Observational, Longitudinal Study Based on US Claims Databases.

Crohn's-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) greatly impact quality of life and are notoriously difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of recurrent episodes of care for RVF and its economic impact. A retrospective observational cohort study of administrative US claims databases was conducted. Eligible patients were female adults, with a diagnosis code for Crohn's disease with or without a diagnosis/procedural code for RVF. For the RVF cohort, rates of recurrence of RVF episodes of care were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and direct healthcare costs were compared between the RVF cohort and RVF-free cohort. Mean ages in the RVF cohort (n=963) and RVF-free cohort (n=56,564) were 47.2 and 50.8years, with a mean follow-up period of 58.7 and 49.8 months, respectively. For the RVF cohort, the probability of having a second RVF episode of care within 2years of the first one was estimated to be 35.9% and of having a third episode within 2years of the second was 47.8%. During the first 2years, the RVF cohort had 67% more inpatient admissions than the RVF-free cohort with each RVF episode of care being associated with 16% more admissions. The estimated incremental cost associated with having RVF was US$17,561, with an incremental cost of US$11,607 for each additional RVF episode of care. This real-world study highlights the significant impact of RVF in patients with Crohn's disease with regard to repeat interventions and associated HCRU and direct healthcare costs, suggesting novel therapeutics are needed in this patient population.

What are the outcomes in patients referred to a tertiary referral centre for Crohn's rectovaginal fistula surgery?

Rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease are challenging to manage, and surgical treatment remains the best option for achieving permanent closure of the fistula. Biologicals are now used routinely for patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical procedures used by us to treat rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease in the era of biologicals. Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgery for a rectovaginal fistula between 2010 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study and were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Collected variables included demographics, perioperative and operative variables and data regarding medications used. Success of the procedure was defined as no symptoms at least 6 months after definitive repair and/or stoma closure. Twenty patients (out of 80 referred for evaluation) underwent surgery with intent to close the fistula and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Mean age was 44 ± 12 years with a median follow-up duration of 33 months (range 6-130 months). Forty per cent of the patients had a history of at least two surgeries to close the fistula. The overall healing rate was 70% (14/20). The most performed procedure was a transanal rectal advancement flap (7/20), with a success rate of 85%. Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease is difficult to cure; according to our results almost half of these patients have multiple surgeries due to recurrence. Multiple procedures may be offered for this challenging problem in motivated patients. Perioperative diversion should be strongly considered.

Interposition of a biological mesh may not affect the rate of rectovaginal fistula after excision of large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules: a pilot study of 209 patients.

The aim of this work was to assess whether placement of a biological mesh (Permacol® ) between the vaginal and rectal sutures reduces the rate of rectovaginal fistula in patients with deep rectovaginal endometriosis. We report a retrospective, comparative study enrolling patients with vaginal infiltration of more than 3cm in diameter and rectal involvement in two centres. They benefited from complete excision of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules with or without a biological mesh placed between the vaginal and rectal sutures. The rate of rectovaginal fistula was compared between the two groups. Two hundred and nine patients were enrolled: 42 patients underwent interposition of biological mesh (cases) and 167 did not (controls). Ninety-two per cent of cases and 86.2% of controls had rectal infiltration more than 3cm in diameter. Cases underwent rectal disc excision more frequently (64.3% vs. 49.1%) and had a smaller distance between the rectal staple line and the anal verge (4.4±1.4cm vs. 6±2.9cm). Rectovaginal fistulas occurred in 4 cases (9.5%) and 12 controls (7.2%). Logistic regression analyses revealed no difference in the rate of rectovaginal fistula following the use of mesh (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.3-9.5). A distance of less than 7cm between the rectal staple line and the anal verge was found to be an independent risk factor for the development of rectovaginal fistula (adjusted OR 15.1, 95% CI 1.7-132). Our results suggest that the placement of a biological mesh between the vagina and rectal sutures may not affect the rate of formation of postoperative rectovaginal fistula following excision of deep infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis.

P340 Real-world treatment patterns and recurrence rates of rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease: A retrospective cohort database analysis

Abstract Background Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) are a difficult to treat perianal complication of Crohn’s disease (CD) with a significant impact on quality of life. Management of RVF includes both medical and surgical interventions. Few studies have assessed real-world treatment patterns for CD-related RVF. This retrospective US cohort database analysis aimed to assess the rate of, and time to RVF episodes of care in CD, and describe treatment patterns. Methods IBM Truven Health MarketScan® databases (Commercial and Medicare supplemental administrative claims [01/01/01 to 31/12/19]) were used. Adult females with a diagnosis code for CD, ≥1 medical claim with a RVF-specific diagnosis/procedure ICD-9/10 code on or after the date of first observed CD diagnosis, and ≥180 and ≥720 days of continuous health plan enrolment before and after index (date of first RVF-related code after first CD diagnosis date), respectively, were included. Treatment patterns were assessed during the 6 months pre-index (baseline period) and any time post-index. The first RVF episode of care (episode) started on the date of the first RVF-related code after CD diagnosis. RVF-related codes ≤90 days apart were considered as the same episode. Time to subsequent episodes was assessed by Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis. Only descriptive statistics were reported for the proportion of patients with episodes and subsequent treatment patterns. Results Of 274 096 adult females diagnosed with CD during a continuous eligibility period, 2540 (0.9%) had a RVF-specific code. Overall, 963 patients met the inclusion criteria (median age: 46.0 years). The median follow-up (time between the index date and end of continuous health plan enrolment or data availability) was 48.5 months. During the follow-up period, 963 (100%), 430 (44.7%) and 217 (22.5%) patients had at least one, two or three episodes, respectively. KM analysis showed the probability of having a subsequent episode within 1, 2 and 5 years of their first or second episode (Figure). During the baseline period, 775 (80.5%) and 287 (29.8%) patients received non-biologic or biologic therapies, respectively, and 929 (96.5%) and 494 (51.3%) at any time post-index. At any time post-index, 587 (61.0%) patients had ≥1 RVF-related surgery. Conclusion This study showed patients with CD-related RVF required recurrent episodes of medical and surgical care in a US real-world setting. In addition, post-index, an important proportion of patients were observed with biologics use (>50%) and nearly two-thirds of patients had RVF-related surgery. Patients with CD-related RVF had varied treatment patterns and more studies are needed to inform the standard of care for patients with RVF. Sponsor: Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease: results of the HOT-REVA pilot study.

BackgroundPositive effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease (CD) have been described, but the effect on rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) has not yet been studied. The aim was to investigate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of HBO in patients with RVF in CD.MethodsIn this prospective study, consecutive CD patients between November 2018 and February 2020 presenting with RVF at the outpatient fistula clinic of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre were included and selected to receive treatment with 30 daily HBO sessions, if fistulas were actively draining and any concomitant treatment regimen was stable at least 6 weeks prior to start of HBO. Patients with a stoma were excluded. The primary endpoint was clinical closure at 3-month follow-up, defined as cessation of complaints and/or closure of the external orifice if visible at baseline. Secondary outcomes were improvement of concomitant perianal fistulas as measured by the perianal disease activity index (PDAI) and fistula drainage assessment (FDA), as well as improvement in patient-reported outcomes (visual analogue scale (VAS), inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), faecal incontinence quality of life scale (FIQL) and female sexual functioning index (FSFI)) at 3-month follow-up.ResultsOut of 14 eligible patients, nine patients (median age 50 years) were treated, all of whom had previously had one or more unsuccessful medical and/or surgical treatments for their RVF. Clinical closure occurred in none of the patients at 3-month follow-up. There was no improvement in PDAI and patient-reported outcomes (VAS, IBDQ, FIQL and FSFI). Two patients had concomitant perianal fistulas; using FDA, one patient had a clinical response and one patient was in clinical remission 3 months after HBO. There were two treatment-related adverse events during HBO concerning claustrophobia and fatigue. Furthermore, two patients had a surgical intervention due to RVF and two patients were treated with antibiotics for a urinary tract infection during follow-up. One patient had a dose reduction of ustekinumab because of decreased luminal complaints.ConclusionTreatment with HBO was feasible, but in this therapy-refractory cohort without deviating ostomy no clinical closure of RVF or improvement in quality of life was seen 3 months after HBO. Treatment with HBO alone in this specific group of patients therefore appears to be ineffective.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

P720 Recurrent rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn’s disease: How can we improve the success rate of graciloplasty? A bi-centric European study in 30 patients

Abstract Background Graciloplasty (GP) is indicated in case of recurrent rectovaginal fistula (RVF), even in patients with Crohn’s disease, after failure of previous local treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for GP failure performed for recurrent RVF in these patients. Methods We realised a retrospective study based on a prospective database of GP, realised in two Tertiary expert Centers in Italy (Bologna) and France (Clichy). Results Thirty-two patients undergoing 34 GP (2 patients have undergone 2 GP for failure of first GP): we excluded second GP and 2 patients without available follow-up: 30 patients undergoing a first GP for RVF (n = 29) or ileal-vaginal fistula after ileal-pouch-anal-anastomosis (IPAA) (n = 1) with a mean age of 41 ± 10 years (range, 25–64) were analysed. After a mean follow-up of 65 ± 52 months (2–183), a success of GP (considered as absence of diverting stoma and RVF healing) was noted in 17/30 patients (57%). We evaluated risk factors for failure of the procedure and we found only 2 risk factors on univariate analysis: (1) absence of a postoperative prophylactic antibiotherapy: only 2/13 (15%) patients with a GP failure had a postoperative antibiotic-prophylaxis vs. 9/15 (60%) patients with success of GP (p = 0.0238); (2) a postoperative perineal infection: 7/13 (54%) with a GP failure developed a postoperative perineal infection vs. 2/17 (12%) patients (p = 0.0196). Conclusion Graciloplasty for recurrent rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn’s disease is effective in 57% of patients. Our study underlines the possible benefit of a postoperative antibiotic-prophylaxis because it seems to increase significantly the success rate of the procedure.

Prevesical peritoneum interposition to prevent risk of rectovaginal fistula after en bloc colorectal resection with hysterectomy for endometriosis: Results of a pilot study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk of rectovaginal fistula after en bloc hysterectomy and colorectal resection (H-CR) for endometriosis using prevesical peritoneum interposition. Study DesignA retrospective study conducted at Tenon University Hospital, expert center in endometriosis, from June 2016 to June 2018. Patients undergoing H-CR with prevesical peritoneum interposition without protective defunctioning stoma were included. ResultsOf the 160 patients who underwent surgery with colorectal resection for endometriosis during the study period, 27 had H-CR (15 with segmental and 12 with discoïd colorectal resection) and were included. The median age (range) was 45 years (41–47.5). Eight patients (13 %) were nulliparous. All procedures were performed by laparoscopy. Parametrial resection was performed in 14 cases (52 %). Associated bowel procedures were ileocecal resection (n = 5) and appendectomy (n = 2). Median follow-up (range) was 14.6 months (10.5–20.2). Nine (33.3 %) patients experienced intra- or postoperative complications including one grade I, four grade II, two grade IIIA and two grade IIIB complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). Seven patients (26 %) experienced postoperative voiding dysfunction. One suspicion of rectovaginal fistula associated with pelvic abscess was diagnosed 4 weeks after surgery but not confirmed during a second operation. ConclusionDespite the small sample size, the present pilot study supports the practice of prevesical peritoneum interposition to limit the risk of rectovaginal fistula in patients who undergo H-CR for deep endometriosis.

Surgical Management of Obstetric Rectovaginal Fistulas: the Gynaecological Point of View

Obstetric injuries can rarely lead to formation of rectovaginal fistula (RVF). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the causes and management of obstetric rectovaginal fistulas in patients treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, from January 2015 to April 2019. Five of 12 surgically treated rectovaginal fistulas were primary fistulas, and 7 patients had recurrence of a fistula. The surgery was carried out by using a vaginal approach following birth or in the context of a subsequent delivery. The latter procedure was chosen in patients at high risk of recurrence or in those who had a high risk of postoperative functional discomfort. For the first time, pregnancy-related changes of the vaginal wall were used to optimise the success rates of a fistula closure. 11 of 12 obstetric rectovaginal fistulas could be closed successfully. The choice of rectovaginal fistula repair should be tailored to the underlying pathology, the type of repair performed previously, the patient's wishes and the surgeon's experience. The therapy of rectovaginal fistulas in special centres is clearly beneficial.

Diverting stoma-related complications following colorectal endometriosis surgery: a 163-patient cohort

ObjectiveDeep endometriosis may simultaneously infiltrate the vagina and the rectosigmoid, which associated resection may increase the risk of postoperative complications. Among these complications, rectovaginal fistula is one of the worst. To reduce the risk of rectovaginal fistula and related complications, surgeons may employ diverting stoma. The literature is rich in data concerning the usefulness of stoma in patients managed for low rectal cancer. However, extrapolation of these data to patients managed for rectal endometriosis is disputable. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the role of stoma in preventing rectovaginal fistula in patients managed for colorectal endometriosis. The objective of our study was to assess the risk of complications related to the use of stoma in patients managed for colorectal endometriosis. Study DesignA retrospective comparative study has been performed using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. 163 consecutive women with colorectal endometriosis who had temporary stoma have been enrolled at the University Hospital of Rouen, from June 2009 to December 2016. The main outcome was stoma-related complications rate using Clavien-Dindo classification. No women were lost to follow-up. ResultsAmong the 163 women, 158 (96.9%) had a primary diverting stoma and 5 women (3.1%) with an immediate post-surgical bowel fistula had a secondary diverting stoma. Stoma involved the ileum in 28 women (17.2%) and the colon in 135 (82.8%). Surgical management of the rectosigmoid junction was rectal shaving in 2 women (1.2%), disc excision in 62 (38%), colorectal resection in 87 (53.4%), and combined rectal disc excision and sigmoid colon segmental resection in 12 (7.4%). Clavien Dindo I stoma-related complications occurred in 38 patients (23.3%) and were related to abnormal healing of stoma scar. Most Clavien-Dindo II complications were wound or urinary infections following stoma closure. Clavien Dindo III complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6%) and were related to leakage, hemoperitoneum, hernia of the abdominal wall, subcutaneous abscess and bowel obstruction syndrome. ConclusionSpecific complications may occur directly related to the use of stoma in the surgery of deep endometriosis of the rectosigmoid. The risk of these complications should be taken into account and full preoperative information should be provided to patients and their family.

Martius\u2019 flap for recurrent perineal and rectovaginal fistulae in a patient with Crohn\u2019s disease, endometriosis and a mullerian anomaly

BackgroundRectovaginal fistulas represent 5% of all anorectal fistulae and are a disastrous manifestation of Crohn’s disease that negatively affects patients’ social and sexual quality of life. Treatment remains challenging for colorectal surgeons, and the recurrence rate remains high despite the numerous available options.Case presentationWe describe a 31-year-old female patient with a Crohn’s disease-related recurrent perineo-vaginal and recto-vaginal fistulae and a concomitant mullerian anomaly. She complained of severe dyspareunia associated with penetration difficulties. The patient’s medical history was also significant for a previous abdominal laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis for the removal of macroscopic nodules and a septate uterus with cervical duplication and a longitudinal vaginal septum. The patient was successfully treated using a Martius’ flap. The postoperative outcome was uneventful, and no recurrence of the fistula occurred at the last follow-up, eight months from the closure of the ileostomy.ConclusionMartius’ flap was first described in 1928, and it is considered a good option in cases of rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease.The patient should be referred to a colorectal centre with expertise in this disease to increase the surgical success rate.

Surgical repair of rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

ObjectivesTo report surgical outcomes of patients who underwent rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repair with a history of Crohn's disease utilizing several reconstructive techniques. Study designRetrospective case series of women (n=6) with Crohn's disease surgically treated with either vaginal or rectal advancement flaps. Demographic information and data specific to Crohn's disease at the time of surgery were collected. In addition, operative reports and postoperative follow-up visits were reviewed. ResultsDuring the study period, six women with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and RVF underwent surgical management. Five patients had a vaginal advancement flap (VAF) by Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and one patient was treated by the rectal advancement flap by Colorectal Surgery. The failure rate in our study population was 33% (2/6). Of note, two of the patients who had a successful VAF had a previous failure after RAF. In addition, four patients who had a repair via the transvaginal approach had a concomitant pedicled flap procedure (i.e. Martius or gracilis flap). The average follow-up for all our patients was 5 months (+/− 6.5 months). No patients failed if they received a VAF with a concomitant flap procedure. ConclusionsThis case series illustrates several techniques utilized for the repair of RVF in patients with Crohn's disease. The use of a bulbocavernosus flap during the primary repair of RVF in this patient population may be considered to bolster the rectovaginal septum.

Gracilis transposition for repair of recurrent anovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn’s disease

Local surgical procedures in the presence of Crohn's disease have a markedly reduced success rate, especially in the treatment of recurrent anovaginal and distant rectovaginal fistulas. In these patients, local surgery (e.g., flap closure) has unsatisfactory results if the anal canal is destroyed by ulceration and indurations or in patients with extensive defects of the perineum. Over a period of 6 years (2000 to 2006), 12 patients with recurrent rectovaginal fistulas were treated with graciloplasty. The age of the female patients ranged from 24 to 47 years, the mean age being 38 years. The presence of Crohn's disease in all patients had a mean duration of 12 years. Corticosteroids, mesalazin, or azathioprin were administered preoperatively. All patients were diverted by a temporary ileostomy before graciloplasty. RESULTS Rectovaginal fistula was closed in 11 of 12 patients after graciloplasty with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years. One rerecurrence of a rectovaginal fistula was documented. One of 12 ileostomies was not closed due to persistence of the fistula tract. One patient had a pouch-anal and, additionally, a pouch-vaginal fistula. In this patient, the first transposition of the gracilis muscle was unsuccessful. After a few months, she underwent renewed graciloplasty. There was no recurrence of a fistula within the follow-up period. Reconstruction of the perineum constituted an additional positive effect of the graciloplasty. In one patient, the preexisting fecal incontinence persisted, even after secondary implantation of a pacemaker. Due to diarrhea and persistent fecal incontinence, the patient opted for a renewed ileostomy. In our series, gracilis transposition in the treatment of recurrent anovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease has excellent short-term results. In addition, graciloplasty can reconstruct the perineal defect.

The Management of Rectovaginal Fistulas in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) pose a significant treatment challenge. Inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn’s disease, is the second leading cause of these types of fistulas. Approximately one-third of all the patients with Crohn’s disease will have perianal manifestations, including RVFs at some point in their lives. The choice of treatment is dependent on the complexity of the fistula, the severity of the symptoms, the coexisting anorectal disease, and the degree of impairment of the patient’s quality of life. As a general principle, Crohn’s disease, including its perianal manifestations, preferably should be treated medically with surgical treatment being reserved for patients with refractory disease, debilitating symptoms, and significant impairment of quality of life. In this review we discuss the medical and surgical treatment of RVF in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Anovaginal and rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease.

Between 1971 and 1991, details of 67 women with perianal Crohn's disease were recorded prospectively using the Cardiff classification. Two groups were identified according to the presence (n = 29) or absence (n = 38) of anorectal Crohn's fistula involving the vagina. Patients in both groups were of a similar age and had had Crohn's disease for a similar period before diagnosis of perianal involvement. The incidence of associated perianal lesions, superficial ulcers, cavitating ulcers, other fistulas and strictures was not significantly different between the two groups. A greater proportion of patients with anorectal-vaginal fistulation (n = 15) had distal intestinal Crohn's disease (rectal or contiguous colorectal) compared with women with no vaginal fistulation (n = 14). A range of therapies was used to manage women with perianal Crohn's disease, from local surgery to a defunctioning stoma and/or proctectomy. Only 13 of 38 women with perianal Crohn's disease but no vaginal fistula required a defunctioning stoma or proctectomy, whereas 18 of 29 with anorectal-vaginal fistulation underwent these procedures (P < 0.05). A vaginal fistula has a considerable adverse effect on the outcome of perianal Crohn's disease.

Infliximab is more efficacious for treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas compared to rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

Infliximab is more efficacious for treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas compared to rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

Infliximab is more efficacious for treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas compared to rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

Infliximab is more efficacious for treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas compared to rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

Preface

Deep endometriosis may simultaneously infiltrate the vagina and the rectosigmoid, which associated resection may increase the risk of postoperative complications. Among these complications, rectovaginal fistula is one of the worst. To reduce the risk of rectovaginal fistula and related complications, surgeons may employ diverting stoma. The literature is rich in data concerning the usefulness of stoma in patients managed for low rectal cancer. However, extrapolation of these data to patients managed for rectal endometriosis is disputable. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the role of stoma in preventing rectovaginal fistula in patients managed for colorectal endometriosis. The objective of our study was to assess the risk of complications related to the use of stoma in patients managed for colorectal endometriosis.A retrospective comparative study has been performed using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. 163 consecutive women with colorectal endometriosis who had temporary stoma have been enrolled at the University Hospital of Rouen, from June 2009 to December 2016. The main outcome was stoma-related complications rate using Clavien-Dindo classification. No women were lost to follow-up.Among the 163 women, 158 (96.9%) had a primary diverting stoma and 5 women (3.1%) with an immediate post-surgical bowel fistula had a secondary diverting stoma. Stoma involved the ileum in 28 women (17.2%) and the colon in 135 (82.8%). Surgical management of the rectosigmoid junction was rectal shaving in 2 women (1.2%), disc excision in 62 (38%), colorectal resection in 87 (53.4%), and combined rectal disc excision and sigmoid colon segmental resection in 12 (7.4%). Clavien Dindo I stoma-related complications occurred in 38 patients (23.3%) and were related to abnormal healing of stoma scar. Most Clavien-Dindo II complications were wound or urinary infections following stoma closure. Clavien Dindo III complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6%) and were related to leakage, hemoperitoneum, hernia of the abdominal wall, subcutaneous abscess and bowel obstruction syndrome.Specific complications may occur directly related to the use of stoma in the surgery of deep endometriosis of the rectosigmoid. The risk of these complications should be taken into account and full preoperative information should be provided to patients and their family.

Rectal sleeve advancement: repair of rectovaginal fistula associated with anorectal stricture in Crohn's disease.

Successful repair of rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease has been reported when these patients have a normal appearing rectum. We report the performance of stricturectomy in conjunction with circumferential rectal sleeve advancement for patients who have a rectovaginal fistula arising from an anorectal stricture secondary to Crohn's disease. This technique provides for repair of rectovaginal fistula and correction of the anal stricture and maintains continence.

Device for occlusion of rectovaginal fistula: clinical trials.

To evaluate a device designed for occlusion of rectovaginal fistula in patients with acquired rectovaginal fistula. The device consisted of a disk portion, an anchoring portion, and a shaft that connected each portion. The device was framed with a nitinol wire. The disk portion was framed in a four-leaf clover configuration, and the anchoring portion had two ellipsoid arms. The disk and anchoring portions were mounted with a nylon patch and coated with silicone. The device was designed for transrectal insertion and was placed in seven women with rectovaginal fistula caused by pelvic irradiation or pelvic surgery. All devices were placed successfully, and all fistulas were completely occluded after placement of the device. No procedural complications were encountered. The follow-up period was 1-26 months. One patient died of distant metastasis 5 months after placement of the device. None of the patients reported leakage from the rectovaginal fistula during the follow-up period. The occlusion device may be promising and beneficial for use in occlusion of rectovaginal fistula that results from pelvic irradiation or pelvic surgery.