title: Rectovaginal fistula repair using a disposable biopsy punch.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a novel surgical technique for complete excision of a rectovaginal fistula tract using a disposable biopsy punch during a transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair and to present our initial surgical experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Description of 4 cases of simple rectovaginal fistulas and an innovative surgical technique for the complete excision of the fistula tract using a disposable biopsy punch.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful 3-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up of 4 cases with simple rectovaginal fistulas after transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair using a novel approach for complete fistula tract excision with a disposable biopsy punch and layered nonoverlapping suture closure. Demographic information reported included age, parity, medical and surgical history, as well as fistula characteristics including size, location, presenting symptoms, and duration of symptoms. We describe our operative technique with picture description.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel approach using a disposable punch biopsy device to complete excision of simple rectovaginal fistula tracts during a transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair can help with achieving a successful surgical outcome.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA; and †Division of Urogynecology, Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
authors.forename: Amos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adelowo
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ellerkmann
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult