Repair of a recurrent traumatic rectovaginal fistula using vaginal wall plication to reinforce a rectal wall advancement flap.

Background: Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) can cause significant physical discomfort and psychological distress for patients and remain amongst the most challenging disorders for surgeons.
Methods: A 28-year-old female with a history of a traumatic cloaca repaired 12 years prior was diagnosed with a recurrent RVF and underwent repair using a rectal wall advancement flap reinforced with posterior vaginal wall plication. This case is used to demonstrate surgical technique. The study adhered to the prescribed ethical guidelines. Informed consent was obtained from the patient to use the video recording of her operation for educational purposes.
Results: The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The fistula was fully healed without any signs or symptoms of recurrence at 8 weeks follow-up exam. Her protective ileostomy was successfully closed.
Conclusions: Transanal repair of a RVF through creation of a rectal advancement flap and plication of redundant vaginal wall can be used to treat appropriately selected patients with significant tissue defects.
Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.