Rectovaginal Fistula Repair Using a Porcine Dermal Graft

Abstract

Rectovaginal fistula repair is commonly performed through a vaginal route. In many cases, healthy tissue such as an autologous fat pad may be interposed between the suture lines and the vaginal epithelium to facilitate healing and prevent recurrence. We present a simple alternative to autologous flaps with the use of porcine dermal grafts in the repair of rectovaginal fistulae. Two patients are presented with rectovaginal fistulae. In both cases the patients were found to have insufficient native tissue to achieve an adequate traditional multilayered closure, and therefore an acellular collagen porcine dermal graft was used as an interposition graft between the rectum and the vaginal epithelium in the repair. Porcine dermal grafts may be a viable alternative to traditional autologous flaps or human dermal grafts for the repair of rectovaginal fistula.