Repair of a recurrent rectovaginal fistula with a biological graft

This case involves a patient with the congenital absence of the lower third of the vagina. While undergoing surgical restoration of the vagina, she sustained a laceration, which ultimately led to the development of a rectovaginal fistula. After two unsuccessful attempts at repair, the recommendation was for a diverting colostomy with another attempted repair, and she presented to our clinic to discuss other possible surgical options. The patient underwent repair of the fistula using a porcine-derived small intestinal submucosal extracellular matrix graft, which resulted in the repair of the rectovaginal fistula without recurrence at 18 months’ follow-up.