Clinical and functional features of rectal sphincter in patients with rectovaginal fistulas before and after split vaginal-rectal flap application

Dysfunction of the rectal sphincter is noted in more than 70 % of patients with rectovaginal fistulas (RVF), which require an extremely careful evaluation of the rectal sphincter function both by clinical and instrumental methods. Objective: to study the state of rectal sphincter in patients with rectovaginal fistulas before and after surgical treatment. Materials and methods: in the period from 2012 to 2021 198 patients (age from 20 to 73 years, Me = 35 (30; 45)) were included in the comprehensive study of the rectal sphincter functional state before and after surgical treatment. 106 (53,5 %) cases were recurrent. Traumatic childbirth was the most common cause of RVF (43,9 %). Results: dysfunction of the rectal sphincter is revealed in 154 (77,8 %) patients with rectovaginal fistulas. The etiology of the disease and the recurrent course do not affect the severity of the rectal sphincter functional disorders. Using of a split rectal-vaginal flap do not lead to a worsening of the rectal sphincter function. Conclusion: A significant mismatch between the obtained objective (sphincterometry) and subjective (Wexner scale) data of the rectal sphincter function in patients with rectovaginal fistulas proves the need for sphincterometry in this category of patients. Elimination of rectovaginal fistulas by using a split vaginal-rectal flap is a safe and low-traumatic surgical method.

Surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistulas (systematic literature review)

Despite the large number of available surgical interventions aimed at the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas, the results of their use remain extremely disappointing, associated with the high recurrence rate of the disease reaching 80 %, as well as the lack of a single tactic to minimize the risk of anal incontinence and the need for colostomy. Objective: to conduct a systematic literature review in order to summarize information related to the rectovaginal fistulas surgery. The systematic review includes the results of an analysis of 97 clinical trials selected from 756 publications found in databases. Inclusion criteria: a full-text article, the presence of at least 5 patients in the study, as well as data on the outcome of surgery. Clinical trials with different surgical treatments were identified and classified into the following categories: elimination of the rectovaginal septal defect with a displaced flap (rectal and vaginal); Martius surgery; gracilis muscle transposition; transperineal procedure; abdominal procedure including endoscopic and laparoscopic methods; use of biological or biocompatible materials. Treatment outcomes vary significantly from 0 % to > 80 %. None of the studies were randomized. Due to the low quality of the identified studies, comparison of results and meta-analysis conduction were not possible. Conclusion: as a result of the systematic review, data for the analysis and development of any strategic and tactical algorithms for the treatment of RVF were not obtained. The most important questions still remain open: what and when surgical method to choose, is it necessary to form a disconnecting stoma?

The first experience of using «evagination» method in patients with rectovaginal fistulas

Despite the variety of methods of rectovaginal fistulas surgery, the recurrence of the disease reaches 80 % of cases. The «evagination» method was proposed in the NMRC of coloproctology for the combined treatment of RVF and anal sphincter insufficiency. The study included 10 women with rectovaginal fistula and anal sphincter insufficiency. The age of patients was from 25 to 52 (33,6 ± 7,73) years. Etiology of rectovaginal fistula: postpartum — 7 (70.0 %); iatrogenic — 2 (20.0 %); malformation — 1 (10.0 %). The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 14 months (8,4 ± 2,9). The «evagination» method was used in all patients. The disease recurrence occurred in 1 patient (10.0 %) on the 8th day after surgery. Conclusion: the «evagination» method can be considered as a surgery of choice in the treatment of extended defects of the rectovaginal septum with anal sphincter insufficiency due to its defect.

Application of platelet-rich plasma in rectovaginal fistulas in the patients with ulcerative colitis

Background There is a need for other than surgical methods of therapy for small and low rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as application of fibrin sealants, stem cells, biological therapy, or platelet-rich plasma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment after local application of PRP in aforementioned fistulas, exclusively in the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients and methods Medical records of 13 patients with small and low-lying, active RVF in the course of UC, and after restorative proctocolectomy for UC were evaluated. Curettage of fistulous tracts was performed with the following application of PRP in all patients. Results Complete closure of RVF was achieved after the first injection in 4 patients, 3 women healed their fistulas following the second application, and two of them closed RVF after 3 injections. To sum up, the complete closure of RVF was achieved in 9 (69%) patients. Fistulas remained closed from 6 to 12 months. Conclusions The application of PRP in small, low, and recurrent IBD anal fistulas is effective, simple, and safe with an acceptable rate of healing. This therapy might also precede any further, surgical methods of treatment.

Evaluation of immediate and long-term results of treatment of post-radiation injuries of the rectum

Introduction. Treatment of post-radiation damage to the rectum is a complex medical problem. The search for new methods of treatment for this category of patients based on modern achievements in regenerative surgery is urgent.The aim of the study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term results of treatment of post-radiation lesions of the rectum using microfat grafting.Materials and methods. The study involved 66 patients — women aged 28 to 83 years inclusive with complications of radiation therapy (rectovaginal fistulas, radiation proctitis, radiation ulcers).Results and discussion. After the treatment, there is a tendency to improve the condition. So, if before the procedure the average sizes of fistulas and ulcers were 1.67 ± 0.54 cm in diameter, then after 3 months these indicators were 1.39 ± 0.54, and after 6 months — 1.1 ± 0.56 cm Complete epithelialization of the defect was observed in all patients. The period for which it was possible to achieve complete epithelialization varies from 6 months to 2 years. On average, to achieve complete epithelialization of post-radiation damage to the rectum, most patients required 3 injections of autologous adipose tissue. Also, all patients showed an improvement in elastometry indices over time. As a result of treatment, there is a tendency to improve the quality of life of patients.Conclutions. The study allows us to conclude about the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as that in the long term, the treatment will also be effective, the likelihood of relapse is minimal.

Buccal Mucosal Grafts: Novel Treatment for the Repair of Rectovaginal Fistulas A Study Protocol (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are abnormal communications between the rectum/anus and the vagina. They are most frequently a result of obstetric injury and have deleterious impacts on patients’ quality of life. Despite several treatment modalities, RVFs remain difficult problems to manage, and many patients fail multiple attempts at surgical repair. Buccal mucosal grafts (BMGs) may be a solution to this problem. A BMG is oral mucosal tissue harvested from the inner cheek. There are two case reports that describe the successful use of BMGs in the repair of RVFs. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to validate these findings with a prospective case series, while also addressing key issues of indication, technical details, procedure safety, and short-term outcomes. METHODS Our objective is to validate these findings with a prospective case series, while also addressing key issues of indication, technical details, procedure safety, and short-term outcomes. RESULTS Two previous case reports have described the successful use of BMGs in the repair of RVFs. We have received ethics approval to attempt to validate these findings through a prospective case series. CONCLUSIONS Rectovaginal fistulas cause significant patient morbidity and are difficult problems to manage. Bolstered by the successful use of BMGs in urologic surgery and the previously published case reports demonstrating success in RVFs, we believe that BMGs may be a solution to RVFs.

Acquired Rectourethral and Rectovaginal Fistulas in Children: A Systematic Review

Background: Acquired rectourethral (RUF) or rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in children are rare conditions in pediatric surgery. Prior literature are retrospective studies and based on a small number of patients. The managements and outcomes vary widely across different studies. No standard or recommended management has been universally adopted. The goal was to systematically summarize different causes, provide an overlook of current clinical trend and to derive recommendation from the literature regarding the etiology, managements, and outcomes of pediatric acquired RUF and RVF.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases were searched using terms: rectourethral fistula, recto-urethral fistula, urethrorectal fistula, urethro-rectal fistula, rectovaginal fistula. All studies were retrospective, in English, and included patients under the age of 18 years. Any series with congenital cases, adult (>18 years), <2 fistula cases less and obstetric related causes were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed.Results: Of the 531 records identified, 26 articles with 163 patients (63 RUF and 100RVF) were fully analyzed. Most RUF resulted from trauma, most RVF were from infection of HIV. About 92 patients underwent 1 of 3 categories of definitive repair, including transanal (4.3%), trans-sphincteric (48.9%), and transperineal (30.4%). Tissue interposition flaps were used in 37.6% patients, while temporary fecal diversions were used in 63.9% patients. Fistula was successfully closed in 50.3% patients (98.4% RUF and 20% RVF). 89.1 and 79.7 % of surgical repair patients had optimal fecal and urinary functions, respectively. In the inflammatory bowel disease and HIV infection related RVF patient group, the closure rate was prohibitive poor.Conclusions: Most RVF are a sign of systematic diseases like HIV-infection or IBD and are associated with poor general conditions. While conservative treatment is recommended, stable patients can benefit from surgery. Further investigation is recommended if RVF are encountered without trauma or surgical history. RUF are likely to result from trauma or surgery, and transperineal or trans-sphincter approach can lead to closure and optimal function results. Fecal diversion and/or urinary diversion are helpful in some cases, while interposition technique may not be necessary. An objective scoring system for long-term follow-up and reporting consensus is needed to address treatment inconsistence.