Recto-vaginal/urethral fistula: Repair with gracilis muscle transposition

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of gracilis muscle transposition in repairing rectovaginal and rectourethral fistula. All patients had fecal diversion as a preliminary or concurrent step to fistula repair. Success was defined as healed fistula after stoma closure. Results: Six females and four males underwent gracilis muscle transposition from 1999 to 2006. Gracilis muscle transposition is a viable option for repairing fistulas between the urethra, vagina and the rectum, especially after failed perineal or trans-anal repair. It is associated with low morbidity and good success rate. Underlying Crohn?s disease and previous radiation are associated with poor prognosis.