OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of endometriosis excision alone to excision plus hysterectomy, with and without bilateral oophorectomy, for endometriosis-related symptoms.
METHODS: Multicentre prospective cohort.
METHODS: Eighty-six specialist endometriosis centres.
METHODS: Women undergoing rectovaginal endometriosis surgery between 2009 and 2021.
METHODS: We performed multivariable regression with random effects for patient and centre, controlling for age, BMI, smoking, laparoscopic versus open approach and type of bowel surgery performed, with sensitivity analysis for loss to follow-up.
METHODS: Pain scores, bowel symptoms and quality-of-life measures.
RESULTS: Compared to endometriosis excision alone, women undergoing hysterectomy with conservation of ovaries had greater improvement in non-cyclical pain (MD: 1.41/10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.78, p < 0.001), dyspareunia (MD: 1.12/10, 95% CI: 0.71-1.53, p < 0.001), back pain (MD: 1.29/10, 95% CI: 0.92-1.67, p < 0.001) and quality-of-life scores (MD: 8.77/100, 95% CI: 5.79-11.75, p < 0.001) at 24 months post-operatively. Women undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy also had greater improvement in non-cyclical pelvic pain (MD: 2.22/10, 95% CI: 1.80-2.63, p < 0.001), dyspareunia (MD: 1.05/10, 95% CI: 0.59-1.52, p < 0.001), back pain (MD: 1.18/10, 95% CI: 0.77-1.59, p < 0.001) and quality of life (MD: 12.41/100, 95% CI: 9.07-15.74, p < 0.001) at 24 months compared to endometriosis excision alone. Compared to hysterectomy with ovarian conservation, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was associated with greater improvement in non-cyclical pelvic pain (MD: 0.81/10, 95% CI: 0.32-1.30, p = 0.001) at 24 months and quality of life (MD: 3.74/100, 95% CI: 0.56-6.92, p = 0.021) at 12 months, although this result was sensitive to loss to follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo endometriosis excision plus hysterectomy experience greater improvement in pain and quality of life compared to those who have endometriosis excision alone. There are additional benefits of bilateral oophorectomy with hysterectomy, although its value is less clear due to loss of follow-up.

UNASSIGNED: Many rectovaginal fistulas(RVF), especially low RVF, do not involve/penetrate the RV-septum, but due to lack of proper nomenclature, such fistulas are also managed like RVF (undertaking repair of RV-septum) and inadvertently lead to the formation of a high RVF (involving RV-septum) in many cases. Therefore, REctovaginal Fistulas, Not Involving the Rectovaginal Septum, should be Treated like Anal fistulas(RENISTA) to prevent any risk of injury to the RV septum. This concept(RENISTA) was tested in this study.
UNASSIGNED: RVFs not involving RV-septum were managed like anal fistulas, and the RV-septum was not cut/incised. MRI, objective incontinence scoring, and anal manometry were done preoperatively and postoperatively. High RVF (involving RV-septum) were excluded.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty-seven patients with low RVF (not involving RV-septum) were operated like anal fistula[age:35.2±9.2 years, median follow-up-15 months (3-36 months)]. 19/27 were low fistula[<1/3 external anal sphincter(EAS) involved] and fistulotomy was performed, whereas 8/27 were high fistula (>1/3 EAS involved) and underwent a sphincter-sparing procedure. Three patients were excluded. The fistula healed well in 22/24 (91.7%) patients and did not heal in 2/24 (8.3%). The healing was confirmed on MRI, and there was no significant change in mean incontinence scores and anal pressures on tonometry. RV-septum injury did not occur in any patient.
UNASSIGNED: RVF not involving RV-septum were managed like anal fistulas with a high cure rate and no significant change in continence. RV-septum injury or formation of RVF with septum involvement did not occur in any patient. The RENISTA concept was validated in the present study. A new classification was developed to prevent any inadvertent injury to the RV-septum.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) are notoriously challenging to treat. Martius flap (MF) is a technique employed to manage RVF, among various others, with none being universally successful. We aimed to assess the outcomes of RVF managed with MF interposition.
METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis searching for all studies specifically reporting on the outcomes of MF for RVF was performed. The primary objective was the mean success rate, whilst secondary objectives included complications and recurrence. The MedCalc software (version 20.118) was used to conduct proportional meta-analyses of data. Weighted mean values with 95% CI are presented and stratified according to aetiology where possible.
RESULTS: Twelve non-randomized (11 retrospective, 1 prospective) studies, assessing 137 MF were included. The mean age of the study population was 42.4 (±15.7), years. There were 44 primary and 93 recurrent RVF. The weighted mean success rate for MF when performed for primary RVF was 91.4% (95% CI: 79.45-98.46; I2  = 32.1%; P = 0.183) and that for recurrent RVF was 77.5% (95% CI: 62.24-89.67; I2  = 58.1%; P = 0.008). The weighted mean complication rate was 29% (95% CI: 8.98-54.68; I2  = 85.4%; P < 0.0001) and the overall recurrence rate was 12.0% (95% CI: 5.03-21.93; I2  = 52.3%; P = 0.021). When purely radiotherapy-induced RVF were evaluated, the mean overall success rate was 94.6% (95% CI: 83.33-99.75; I2  = 0%; P = 0.350).
CONCLUSIONS: MF interposition appears to be more effective for primary than recurrent RVF. However, the poor quality of the data limits definitive conclusions being drawn and demands further assessment with randomized studies.

Rectovaginal endometriosis is a severe variant of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Laparoscopic assessment with tissue sampling remains the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis. However, transvaginal (TVUS) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) have been shown to be especially helpful in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis. We present the case of a 49-year-old female with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and constipation. Upon pelvic examination, an incidental mass was palpated. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an anterior rectal wall mass and colonoscopy was non-diagnostic. Further work-up with MRI showed a 3.9 cm mass centered within the upper rectovaginal septum. TRUS guided fine-needle aspiration (TRUS-FNA) revealed cohesive epithelial cell groups without significant cytologic atypia and a second population of bland spindle cells. Cell block slides showed glandular epithelium with associated stroma that exhibited endometrial morphology and immunophenotype. Nodular fragments of spindle cells with smooth muscle immunophenotype and fibrosis were also present. The overall morphologic findings were consistent with rectovaginal endometriosis with nodular smooth muscle metaplasia. Medical management with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor with radiologic follow-up was selected. Rectovaginal endometriosis represents a type of deep endometriosis usually associated with severe pelvic symptoms. Metaplastic smooth muscle cells are a frequent component of endometriosis in the rectovaginal pouch with nodular growth and may present diagnostic challenges. TRUS-FNA is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis, even in this variant of deep infiltrating disease.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are connective tissue tumors representing a minority of gastrointestinal tumors. A 49-year-old woman was found to have a rectal mass in addition to uterine fibroids during work-up for abnormal uterine bleeding. A peri-rectal mass was again seen during hysterectomy, but definitive resection was deferred. A pelvic MRI suggested a posterior vaginal wall mass. A transvaginal approach was chosen for excision of a solid multi-lobulated mass from the rectovaginal septum space. Frozen section reported uterine leiomyoma, but final pathology confirmed a 10-cm high-risk GIST arising from the rectal muscularis propria, with microscopically positive margins. Patient was started on imatinib therapy. Abdominopelvic resection was offered to decrease the risk of recurrence but was declined. Repeat imaging has shown no obvious distant metastases or residual rectovaginal region mass. The simultaneous and similar presentation of uterine leiomyoma and rectal GIST draws attention to this case.

Complex perineal fistulas (CPFs) are among the most challenging problems in colorectal practice. Various procedures have been used to treat CPFs, with none being a panacea. Our study aimed to assess the overall success and complication rates after gracilis muscle interposition in patients with CPF.
PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched until January 2022 according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies including children <18 years or <10 patients were excluded, as well as reviews, duplicate or animal studies, studies with poor documentation (no report of success rate) and non-English text. An open-source, cross-platform software for advanced meta-analysis openMeta [Analyst]™ version 12.11.14 and Cochrane Review Manager 5.4® were used to conduct the meta-analysis of data.
Twenty-five studies published between 2002 and 2021 were identified. The studies included 658 patients (409 women). Most patients had rectovaginal (50.7%) or rectourethral fistulas (33.7%). The most common causes of CPF were pelvic surgery (29.4%) and inflammatory bowel disease (25.2%). A history of radiotherapy was reported in approximately 18% of the patients. 498 (75.7%) patients with CPF achieved complete healing after gracilis muscle interposition. The weighted mean rate of success of the gracilis interposition procedure was 79.4% (95% CI 73.8%-85%, I2  = 75.3%), the weighted mean short-term complication rate was 25.7% (95% CI 18.1-33.2, I2  = 84.1%) and the weighted mean rate for 30-day reoperation was 3.6% (95% CI 1.6-5.6, I2  = 42%). The weighted mean rate of fistula recurrence was 16.7% (95% CI 11%-22.3%, I2  = 61%).
The gracilis muscle interposition technique is a viable treatment option for CPF. Surgeons should be familiar with indications and techniques to offer it as an option for patients. Given the relatively infrequent use of the operation, referral rather than performance of graciloplasty is an acceptable option.

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in 4 clinical scenarios in patients with suspected inflammatory disease or postoperative complication of the anorectum. These clinical scenarios include suspected perianal fistula or abscess; rectovesicular or rectovaginal fistula; proctitis or pouchitis; and suspected complication following proctectomy, coloproctectomy, or colectomy with a pouch or other anastomosis. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of anorectal disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is an abnormal epithelialised connection between the rectum and vagina. It is a common condition in limited resource settings and is caused almost exclusively by obstetric injury. In contrast, RVF is uncommonly seen in high resource settings.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review the aetiology and effectiveness of RVF management in the high resource setting, identifying predictors for repair success and long-term outcomes.
METHODS: A retrospective case series study of patients who underwent transvaginal RVF repairs at two secondary healthcare facilities over a 14-year period by one operative group.
RESULTS: A total of 41 patients underwent 46 surgical repairs. All patients presented with flatal and/or faecal incontinence and aetiology was identifiable in 78.0% (n = 32). Obstetric cause was implicated in 26.8% (n = 11) and other causes include 26.8% (n = 11) from vaginal and abdominal surgery, 14.6% (n = 6) from perianal abscess, 7.32% (n = 3) as complications of Crohn\'s disease and 2.44% (n = 1) as a complication of a cube pessary. Fistula was cured in 38 of 41 cases (92.7%) with a primary repair closure rate of 80.5% (n = 33). Post-operative symptoms were limited to flatal incontinence in 4.88% (n = 2), faecal incontinence in 2.44% (n = 1), and persistent perineal pain in 7.32% (n = 3). The success of the surgical repair was not significantly impacted by fistula size, aetiology, presence of a stoma for diversion, history of prior repair, duration since RVF formation or repair technique.
CONCLUSIONS: This review identifies aetiology for RVF in the high resource setting and highlights the role of earlier surgical repair to minimise patient morbidity with good success in closure and reduction of post-operative symptoms.

This review is focused on the healing of fistulas and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Assuming that the healing of the various wounds is essential also for the gastrointestinal fistulas healing, the healing effect on fistulas in rats, consistently noted with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, may raise several interesting possibilities. BPC 157 is originally an anti-ulcer agent, native to and stable in human gastric juice (for more than 24 h). Likely, it is a novel mediator of Robert\'s cytoprotection maintaining gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Namely, it is effective in the whole gastrointestinal tract, and heals various wounds (i.e., skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, bone; ulcers in the entire gastrointestinal tract; corneal ulcer); LD1 is not achieved. It is used in ulcerative colitis clinical trials, and now in multiple sclerosis, and addressed in several reviews. Therefore, it is not surprising that BPC 157 has documented consistent healing of the various gastrointestinal fistulas, external (esophagocutaneous, gastrocutaneous, duodenocutaneous, colocutaneous) and internal (colovesical, rectovaginal). Taking fistulas as a pathological connection, this rescue is verified with the beneficial effects in rats with the various gastrointestinal anastomoses, esophagogastric, jejunoileal, colo-colonic, ileoileal, esophagojejunal, esophagoduodenal, and gastrojejunal. This beneficial effect occurs equally when the gastrointestinal anastomoses are impaired with the application of NSAIDs, cysteamine, large bowel resection, as well as concomitant esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions and/or ulcerative colitis presentation, short bowel syndrome progression, liver and brain disturbances presentation. Particular aspects of the BPC 157 healing of the fistulas are especially emphasized.

Many small low rectovaginal fistulas represent incompletely healed (third degree) perineal lacerations i. e., involving the sphincters. An individualized, systematic approach to these fistulas based on their size, location, and etiology provides a more concise treatment plan. We report a case of a low rectovaginal fistula developed some years following forceps vaginal delivery. This was managed successfully by a fistulotomy in which the bridge of skin and scar tissue was divided, and the defect repaired as a classical third degree perineal laceration. On the background of coexisting or occult sphincter damage which usually follows obstetric trauma, a fistulotomy and immediate composite repair for small, low rectovaginal fistula may be advantageous and acceptable in a low resource setting where endoanal imaging and manometry are not available.