Results of recto-vaginal fistula repair: retrospective analysis of 48 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term outcome of the Musset technique of recto-vaginal fistula (RVF) repair.


METHODS
During the years 1992-1998, 48 women underwent recto-vaginal fistula repair. A retrospective study in a university tertiary referral center was conducted.


RESULTS
The main etiologies were obstetrical trauma (25), local infection (11), inflammatory disease (7), and post surgery (3). Thirty women (63%) had a previous fistula repair failure. The mean+/-S.D. fistula diameter was 1.4+/-1.0, and in 40% of the patients the fistula diameter was >2.5cm. In 19 cases (39.6%) there was a complete opening of the perineum and anal sphincter. Gas and stool incontinence before the operation were noted in 85 and 75% of the patients, respectively. Successful anatomic results were achieved in all patients. Five patients were re-operated due to gas and stool incontinence, and all but one had satisfactory anatomic and functional satisfactory results. The success rates in women with Crohn's disease and with a previous RVF repair failure were 100 and 98%, respectively. No major intra or postoperative complications were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The Musset procedure provide excellent anatomic and functional results and women with Crohn's disease or previous RVF repair have comparable long-term results.
Soriano
D
D
Service de Gynécologie, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu de Paris, University Paris VI, 2 rue d'Arcole, 75004, Paris, France.
Lemoine
A
A
Laplace
C
C
Deval
B
B
Dessolle
L
L
Darai
E
E
Poitout
P
P
D000328:Adult; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome