Results of recto-vaginal fistula repair: retrospective analysis of 48 cases

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome of the Musset technique of rec to-vaginal fistula (RVF) repair. Study design: During the years 1992-1998. 48 women underwent recto-vaginal fistula repair. A retrospective study in a university tertiary referral center was conducted. Results: The main etiol ogies were obstetrical trauma (25), local infection (II), inflammatory dise ase (7), and post surgery (3). Thirty women (63%:) had a previous fistula r epair failure. The mean +/-S.D. fistula diameter was 1-4 +/-1.0, and in 40% of the patients the fistula diameter was >2.5 cm. In 19 cases (39.6%) ther e was a complete opening of the perineum and anal sphincter. Gas and stool incontinence before the operation were noted in 85 and 75% of the patients, respectively Successful anatomic results were achieved in all patients. Fi ve patients were re-operated due to gas and stool incontinence. and all but one had satisfactory anatomic and functional satisfactory results. The suc cess rates in women with Crohn`s disease and with a previous RVF repair fai lure were 100 and 98%. respectively. No major intra or postoperative compli cations were noted. Conclusion: The Musset procedure provide excellent anat omic and functional results and women with Crohn's disease or previous RVF repair have comparable long-term results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.