Stapled Transperineal Fistula Repair of Rectovaginal Fistula: A Preliminary Experience.

PURPOSE: This study is designed to assess the safety, efficacy, and postoperative outcomes of stapled transperineal repair in management of rectovaginal fistula (RVF).

METHODS: A prospective database of patients with RVF undergoing stapled transperineal repair between May 2015 and December 2017 was established and studied retrospectively.

RESULTS: Seven consecutive RVF patients underwent stapled transperineal repair. The mean operative time was 119 ± 42 minutes. The estimated blood loss during operation was 24 ± 14 mL. Concomitant levatorplasty was performed with 4 patients and sphincteroplasty with 2 patients. Over a median follow-up of 6 months (range 3-33 months), no case was encountered with recurrence. The mean postoperative Wexner score was significantly improved when compared with the preoperative scores (mean preoperative vs postoperative Wexner scores 3 [range 3-4] vs 1 [range 1-2], respectively; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS: Stapled transperineal repair of RVF appears safe and effective. The initial results are encouraging, suggesting the need for a more formal prospective assessment of this technique as part of a randomized trial for the management of low- and mid-vaginal fistulas.