Rectovaginal fistula model in the New Zealand white rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to create an animal model to study rectovaginal fistula repair.


METHODS
Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgical creation of a rectovaginal fistula. The technique was developed with a pilot study conducted on the first two animals, then standardized and performed on the remaining 12 rabbits. The standardized technique included making a defect in the rectovaginal septum using a 3-mm skin punch then splinting the defect with 6-mm tubing for 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Using the standardized technique, a fistula was successfully created in all 12 rabbits ranging from 1 to 5 mm (mean = 2.8 mm, SD = 1.1). A 95% tolerance interval was calculated for the model and predicted that a successful fistula can be created ranging from 0.3 to 5.2 mm in 85% of attempts with the model.


CONCLUSIONS
The New Zealand white rabbit is a promising animal model to study rectovaginal fistula repair.
Aungst
Matthew J
MJ
Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. Matt.Aungst@yahoo.com
Fischer
John R
JR
Bonhage
Michael R
MR
Albright
Todd S
TS
Noel
Kathleen A
KA
Wright
Johnnie
J
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D011817:Rabbits; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula