title: A vaginal mucosal pedicle flap technique for repair of rectovaginal fistula in mares.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the use of a vaginal mucosal pedicle flap for repair of rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) in mares.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three mares with RVF.
  
  
  METHODS
  After debriding the RVF, a dorsally based U-shaped mucosal and submucosal pedicle flap (2-4 mm thick) was dissected from the vaginal wall, rotated approximately 90 degrees angle to close the ventral aspect of the fistula and sutured in position with 10-13 single sutures that did not penetrate the rectal mucosa. This positioned the vaginal mucosa so that it was continuous with the rectal mucosa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two RVF healed by 1st intention whereas for the 3rd RVF, 2 additional single sutures were required to repair partial dehiscence after 10 days. At 6 weeks and 6 months all RVF were healed. One mare subsequently foaled without complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RVF can be closed by use of a rotation flap of vaginal tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tension-free closure of RVF can be achieved by rotating a pedicle flap of vaginal mucosal tissue without undue wound tension, and should be considered as an alternative to conventional appositional techniques.
authors.affiliation: Ambulatory and Obstetrical Veterinary Clinic, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken, Leipzig, Germany. aschoenf@rz.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Axel M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Schönfelder
authors.forename: Axel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sobiraj
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery