Clinical value of endoluminal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula

Current update on the role of endoanal ultrasound: a primer for radiologists

Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is a valuable imaging modality for the evaluation of anal and perianal pathologies. It provides detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of the anorectal region and has been used in pre-and post-operative settings of anorectal pathologies. EAUS is not only useful in the evaluation of benign pathologies but also in loco-regional staging of anal and rectal tumors. EAUS has several advantages over MRI, including reduced cost, better patient tolerance, and improved scope of application in patients with contraindications to MRI. Despite its benefits, EAUS is not widely performed in many centers across the globe. This article aims to educate radiologists, trainees, and surgeons about the indications, contraindications, patient preparation, imaging technique, and findings of EAUS. We will also highlight the technical difficulties, diagnostic challenges, and procedural complications encountered during EAUS, along with a comparative analysis of EAUS with other imaging approaches.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Anorectal Disease

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in 4 clinical scenarios in patients with suspected inflammatory disease or postoperative complication of the anorectum. These clinical scenarios include suspected perianal fistula or abscess; rectovesicular or rectovaginal fistula; proctitis or pouchitis; and suspected complication following proctectomy, coloproctectomy, or colectomy with a pouch or other anastomosis. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of anorectal disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Recto-vaginal fistulas: A case series

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Falandry and Martius’ techniques were used firstly for vesico-vaginal fistulas with satisfying long-term functional results.

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The same techniques are feasible and safe for rectovaginal fistula repair.

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In this case series, patients had an improvement of their self-image and health-related quality of life.

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Temporary colostomy is recommended before this reconstructive surgery.

Introduction

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. 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.

Methods

The 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.

Results

No 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.

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.

Use of the Martius advancement flap for low rectovaginal fistulas

AIM

The percentage recurrence after any surgical treatment for low rectovaginal fistula (LRVF) is unacceptably high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term results of the Martius procedure in a carefully selected series of patients with a LRVF of at least 1 cm diameter who had had at least two previous surgeries or in the presence of chronically inflamed local tissues.

METHOD

Between January 2009 and April 2017, 24 patients with the abovementioned features were prospectively included in this study. Success was defined both as the absence of any subjective symptoms and the fistula, as confirmed by evaluation under anaesthesia. Postoperative complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Quality of life (SF-12 score), quality of sexual life [Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score] and continence [Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS)] were also determined pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 42 ± 29 months (range 3-101 months). The overall success rate was 91.3% (22/24 patients). The median operation time was 50 min (range 45-70 min), and the median hospital stay was 3.5 days (range 3-5 days). No major complications occurred. Pre- and postoperative CCIS did not differ [1 (range 0-3.5)]. The postoperative SF-12 score improved both in terms of the physical (33.6 ± 7.2 vs 50.8 ± 7.8; P < 0.001) and mental (32.6 ± 6.7 vs 56.3 ± 7.8; P < 0.001) components. FSFI improved from 19.5 ± 6.6 to 24.4 ± 6.3 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Martius procedure should be considered as the first-line method of treatment in carefully selected cases of LRVF.

The treatment of anal fistula: second ACPGBI Position Statement - 2018

It is over 10 years since the first ACPGBI Position Statement on the management of anal fistula was published in 2007. This second edition is the result of scrutiny of the literature published during this time; it updates the original Position Statement and reviews the published evidence surrounding treatments for anal fistula that have been developed since the original publication.