Journal of Applied Animal Research

To compare simple closure and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) patch methods in rectovaginal fistula repair in dog as an animal model, 16 mixed-bred female dogs weighing 20–35 kg were enrolled. Under general anesthesia in lithotomy position, an iatrogenic rectovagina fistula was created 4 cm anterior to anal verge and 8 weeks after confirmation of fistula tract formation, the dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups. In group 1, with perineal approach, fistulectomy was performed and a 2x2 cm piece of PTFE patch was fixed in rectal side of the fistula; in group 2, after fistulectomy, the rectal side of the fistula was repaired with vicryl 3–0 interrupted stitches and in group 3, the catheter was removed from the fistulous tract and the fistula was left in place without any surgical repair to let spontaneous repair. In group 1, healing was grossly complete and there were epithelialization and granulation tissue formation at the fistula site in 3 out of 4 cases with prominent fibrous tissue formation. In group 2 with simple surgical repair, 1 out of 4 cases showed epithelialization with less fibrous tissue formation and in group 3, none of the cases demonstrated epithelialization and repair. As PTFE patch graft had no significant morbidity and was easy to perform, it can be recommended for repair of rectovaginal fistulae.