title: Rectovaginal fistula repair utilizing a cadaveric dermal allograft.
abstract: Rectovaginal fistula repair is commonly performed through the vagina. When recurrent fistulae occur, healthy tissue such as a muscle or fat pad may be interposed to facilitate healing and prevent recurrence. A woman developed a postpartum rectovaginal fistula after her third-degree perineal laceration failed to heal completely. Two subsequent fistula repairs were performed, with recurrence following each procedure. The fistula was ultimately repaired by performing a layered closure and interposing a cadaveric dermal allograft between the rectovaginal septum and vaginal epithelium. Allogenic cadaveric graft may be a viable alternative to traditional autologous flaps for the repair of recurrent or complicated rectovaginal fistulae.
authors.affiliation: Northside Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Miklos
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kohli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous