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Has anyone had personal experience with rectovaginal fistula repair?
Ostomy & J-Pouch | Last Active: Jun 24 1:39pm | Replies (95)Comment receiving replies
@susanf8 Hi Susan! I did ask about a pouch revision on my surgical follow up visit. The surgeon said it would be a very intensive surgery and I would still end up with a temporary ileostomy while it healed. I was 26 when I had my first surgery, and I am now 68. I’m actually in pretty good health, all things considered. My husband encouraged me to research online tosee if there might be another physician who is having success with alternative treatments and or surgeries.
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@lhstephenson You might try getting an appointment with Mayo to see what they can tell you. They have been doing j-pouches since the 80s so they may have some experience that will help. If you go to the home page, scroll to the bottom, there is a button to request an appointment.
It also depends on what caused the fistula. In my case it turned out that it was Crohn's Disease, and a reconstructed pouch would very likely have the same pouchitis, fissures and abscesses. Plus my anal muscle was compromised.
Just know that the permanent ileostomy won't be the same as your temporary was, if it turns out you don't have another option.
Do you know what caused the fistula?