Evagination method for rectovaginal fistulas

AIM: to assess early and late results of the evagination method for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in patients with anal incontinence due to muscle defect in the anterior semicircle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: the study included 45 patients. The prevailing etiology of RVF was delivery lesion in 19/45(42.2 %). The median follow-up was 6 (4; 8.5) months. On day 30 after surgery, the outcome was assessed clinically. Late outcomes were assessed in all patients 3–12 months including clinical control, transanal ultrasound and sphincterometry. RESULTS: recurrence occurred in 9/45 (20 %) patients. The significant improvement of continence was revealed: in mean pressure in rest (p = 0.004), in maximum contraction pressure (p < 0.0001), in Wexner incontinence score (p < 0.0001). With a fistula opening less than 16 mm, the recurrence risk increases (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: the evagination method is effective option in extent septal defects and correcting additional analsphincter insufficiency.