Management of rectovaginal fistula

Minimally invasive endoscopic repair of rectovaginal fistula

BACKGROUND

Surgical techniques for repair of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) have been continually developed, but the ideal procedure remains unclear. Endoscopic repair is a novel and minimally invasive technique for RVF repair with increasing reporting.

AIM

To review the current applications and preliminary outcomes of this technique for RVF repair, aiming to give surgeons an alternative in clinical practice.

METHODS

Available articles were searched according to the search strategy. And the sample size, fistula etiology, fistula type, endoscopic repair approaches, operative time and hospital stay, follow-up period, complication and life quality assessment were selected for recording and further analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 11 articles were eventually identified, involving 71 patients with RVFs who had undergone endoscopic repair. The principal causes of RVFs were surgery (n = 51, 71.8%), followed by obstetrics (n = 7, 9.8%), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 5, 7.0%), congenital (n = 3, 4.2%), trauma (n = 2, 2.8%), radiation (n = 1, 1.4%), and in two patients, the cause was unclear. Most fistulas were in a mid or low position. Several endoscopic repair methods were included, namely transanal endoscopic microsurgery, endoscopic clipping, and endoscopic stenting. Most patients underwent > 1-year follow-up, and the success rate was 40%-93%, and all cases reported successful closure. Few complications were mentioned, while postoperative quality of life assessment was only mentioned in one study.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, endoscopic repair of RVF is novel, minimally invasive and promising with acceptable preliminary effectiveness. Given its unique advantages, endoscopic repair can be an alternative technique for surgeons.

Refining Approaches to Surgical Repair of Rectovaginal Fistulas

INTRODUCTION

Rectovaginal fistulas are notorious for both their morbidity and their difficulty to treat effectively. A variety of methods for repair has been described; however, there is no consensus on the ideal repair. A better understanding of the anatomical relationship of fistulas to the anal sphincter and detrusor muscles is one of the components necessary to develop an effective treatment plan for repair and preservation of sphincter mechanics.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted to determine the types of methods typically used by reconstructive surgeons for repair of rectovaginal fistulas. A critical clinical analysis of our series of 10 patients was performed to determine optimal strategies for and pitfalls of repair in the context of recent reports in hopes of refining surgical techniques.

RESULTS

Detailed anatomical understanding of the relationship of fistulas to the surrounding sphincter muscles is described. Etiology of the fistula and its anatomical relationship to the surrounding sphincter complex is used to help develop an algorithm for repair. Suprasphincteric fistulas will necessitate a laparotomy for repair, intersphincteric fistulas will often require muscle interposition with recreation of the vaginal and rectal walls, and low/transphincteric fistulas will require local flaps mostly for coverage and repair of the sphincter muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex rectovaginal fistulas are both debilitating for the patient and extremely difficult to manage. Plastic surgeons are often involved in such cases only after previous attempts at repair have failed. The success of surgery in treating these patients with rectovaginal fistulas depends on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, the available literature describing these repairs lacks uniform guidance regarding approach to repair. Herein, we attempt to detail the possible anatomical variations of fistulas in relationship to the sphincter muscles to begin the discussion necessary for the development of an algorithm for repair that considers preservation of sphincter mechanism function.

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.

Bio fabrication of silver nanoparticles as an effective wound healing agent in the wound care after anorectal surgery

Nowadays biological mediated syntheses of metal nanoparticles were utilized for various life caring applications. Our research group utilized Delonix elata leaf aqueous extract for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Further the synthesized silver nanoparticles were subjected for various characterization techniques which resulted in spherically agglomerated with biological components entrapped in it and also with average particle size of 36nm were studied and reported. Later the synthesized silver nanoparticles were subjected for wound healing property by size of measured lessions and body weight which results in better wound healing property were studied and discussed.