Transanal approach in repairing acquired rectovestibular fistula in females

AIM: To summarize the operative experience of the transanal approach in acquired rectovestibular fistula repair.METHODS: Ninety-six cases of acquired rectovestibular fistula in young females were analyzed retrospectively. The etiology and operative procedure were discussed. Operative essential points were, the patient was laid in prone frog position, with the knees and hips flexed at 90°; the perineum was elevated; and the anal opening was exposed. Four stay sutures were applied to the margin of the fistular orifice in the anal opening at points 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock.A circular incision of mucosa surrounding the stay sutures was made. The fistula was dissected from its anal opening to its vestibular opening. The wound of vestibule was sutured,and the rectoanal wound was then sutured transversely.RESULTS: All the 96 patients recovered uneventfully from operation with a successful rate of 93.75%.CONCLUSION: The transanal approach in the treatment of the acquired rectovestibular fistula is a simple and feasible technique.