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One week post rectovaginal repair surgery

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/28/2018 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Are there any ladies on this forum that has had rectovaginal repair surgery? I had surgery last week to repair my fistula. My surgeon used a pig skin mesh material and seemed hopeful for good results. I haven't had too many unexpected post surgical complications until yesterday..... I started passing gas once again. I am now so scared that the surgery wasn't successful. So I'm reaching out in hopes of finding another lady that has gone through this. Thanks!!
Posted 10/28/2018 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
I had an attempt at repair a couple of years ago rhat was unsuccessful. But mine was very low and there was so much scar tissue it just didn't work. I wish you luck. Of all the issues I had over the years that rv fistula was the absolute worst.
Posted 10/28/2018 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
That's definitely my fear. I was on Remicade and methotrexate for years hoping for it to close. I've also taken several rounds of Flagyl with no results. This is a new colorectal surgeon for me (he was my 2nd opinion) and he told my husband he was very hopeful for good results. He did state that it was more extensive than he was anticipating. I agree with you completely.....this is definitely one of the worst parts of my disease.
Posted 10/30/2018 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Currently dealing with a RVF here (which developed after I had a gracilis flap surgery to heal another...which worked).

After meeting with lots of surgeons and moving to new drugs, I decided to enroll in a stem cell trial at Mayo focused on RVFs (also have done prior trial with other fistulas). This trial uses a plug immersed in your own stem cells and it doesn't seem like I have healed but mine may have improved (will know more on my next visit)...but others have had complete closure.

Of the other options on the table, it seemed like a Martius flap (if you are diverted and your inflammation is under control) is perhaps the best option (but it's aggressive). In my fistula history, superficial attempts have failed (think those without Crohn's would fare better with these approaches).

If a clinical trial might be possible, I would definitely encourage exploring that and maybe reaching out to those working on.

Best to you!
Posted 10/30/2018 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've had a RVF for 6 1/2 years now. I originally got it after an abscess was cut and drained. I had a seton put in, started Remicade, and scheduled a repair but got pregnant so we didn't have surgeries. I had the seton left in for about 2 years then did a mesh/plug surgery to attempt to repair it, but it failed.

Since it failed and I don't keep re-closing, we just leave it open. I don't have a seton or anything since the skin is all healed around it. It's kind of like a pierced ear that way.

It will take several weeks for it to perhaps heal all the way through. The mesh is supposed to help stimulate healing and re-growth, so that may take time. My CR waited until 6 weeks had passed to declare it a fail.
Posted 11/2/2018 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you ladies for responding. I sent a message to my colorectal surgeon on my patient portal to inform him that the symptoms have come back and I'm awaiting his response. My husband keeps telling me to not panic or get upset and give it a few more weeks and see what happens. I was just so hopeful that this would work. My surgeon mentioned another procedure that would require me to have a colostomy bag for several months. That didn't seem too appealing but now I do wonder ......
Posted 11/6/2018 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I have a temp ileostomy that was put in place prior to my gracilis procedure. While I still hope to have it reversed, I do know that it can greatly improve the changes of success with many procedures (or allow you to have certain procedures.

It's a big decision and takes adjusting to if you go that route, but many people live temporarily (or permanently) with ostomies and don't look back. Just know the are others out there and do what is right for you!
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