E-Posters-10249

10249_Byrnes

Pdf Summary

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to describe the outcomes of surgical repair for recurrent rectovaginal fistulae (rRVF). The study included women who underwent surgery at a tertiary care center between July 2001 and December 2013. The cases were stratified by fistula etiology (cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or infection, and other) and surgical approach (local, transvaginal or endorectal, abdominal, and abdominoperineal resection or pelvic exenteration).<br /><br />The success rates of surgical repair did not differ significantly by fistula etiology, but they did differ by surgical approach. The abdominal approach had the highest proportion of successful repairs compared to other approaches combined. The overall success rate for women undergoing one or more surgical attempts at rRVF repair was 82.7%.<br /><br />The study also found that multiple surgeries may be required for rRVF repair, with some women undergoing more than three surgeries. The use of Martius and Gracilis flaps was reported in women who underwent transvaginal or endorectal approaches, and six patients underwent intestinal diversion during the study period.<br /><br />Overall, the results indicate that fistula etiology does not significantly affect the success rates of surgical repair for rRVF. The choice of surgical approach is influenced by various factors, including the location and complexity of the fistula and the surgeon's expertise. The study suggests an increased likelihood of success with the abdominal approach for women with rRVF.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study provides insights into the outcomes of surgical repair for rRVF, highlighting the importance of considering the surgical approach for successful outcomes. However, further research and larger studies are needed to validate these findings and explore additional factors affecting the success of rRVF repair.

Keywords

retrospective cohort study

surgical repair

recurrent rectovaginal fistulae

rRVF

fistula etiology

surgical approach

success rates

multiple surgeries

abdominal approach

outcomes of surgical repair