Article
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) for the Treatment of High Recto-vaginal Fistula / Transanale Staplerresektion (STARR) zur Therapie der hohen rekto-vaginalen Fistel
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Published: | April 26, 2013 |
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Introduction: Treatment of high recto-vaginal fistulas is challenging. Multiple surgical approaches are discussed in the literature but a procedure of choice has not been described.
Material and methods: Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is described as a technique to treat (recurrent) high recto-vaginal fistula.
Results: STARR procedure was carried out electively in five patients with high recto-vaginal fistula. Three patients had a history of recurrent recto-vaginal fistula after at least one futile attempt of fistula repair. Four of the five patients had a diverting ileostomy at the time of presentation. STARR procedure was successful in four of five patients (60%) after the first procedure, the patient who failed after initial PPH01-STARR was successfully treated 2 months later with ContourTranstarTM. There were no septic complications recorded. After a median follow-up of 32 months (range: 17 - 39) all patients are free of fistula recurrence, and ostomy closure has been carried out in all cases.
Conclusion: STARR procedure might be a surgical option for high recto-vaginal fistula.