Repair of a recurrent rectovaginal fistula using gluteal-fold flap: report of a case

Surg Today. 2009;39(7):615-8. doi: 10.1007/s00595-008-3883-7. Epub 2009 Jun 28.

Abstract

Various surgical procedures have been reported for the repair of a rectovaginal fistula, but a failure of the initial repair leads to difficulty in the second and later operations. This report presents the case of a 58-year-old woman with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer who achieved a good outcome following a repair using a gluteal-fold flap. We therefore conclude that the transfer of a well-vascularized gluteal-fold flap may be a safe and reliable method to repair a rectovaginal fistula with a large diameter following repeated recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Buttocks / surgery*
  • Colectomy / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / etiology
  • Rectovaginal Fistula / surgery*
  • Recurrence
  • Surgical Flaps*