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Novel use of the rectus abdominus muscle flap for vaginal reconstruction in complex obstetric fistula repair: a case series
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  • Patel T.,
  • Brown R.,
  • Ennet Chipungu,
  • Michael Breen,
  • Draganchuk J.,
  • Nampandeni P.,
  • Awol Yemane,
  • Jeffrey Wilkinson
Patel T.
Baylor College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Brown R.
Houston Methodist Hospital
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Ennet Chipungu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Michael Breen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Draganchuk J.
Baylor College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Nampandeni P.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Awol Yemane
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Jeffrey Wilkinson
Baylor College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Globally, obstetric fistula is a tragic outcome following obstructed labor. Failure of complex repairs and post-operative incontinence are common. We describe an innovative surgical technique incorporating the rectus abdominis muscle flap at the time of fistula repair. We report outcomes from six patients at the Fistula Care Center in Lilongwe, Malawi in October 2023. At three months following discharge, five patients (80.0%) were continent; one patient was unable to follow-up but was continent at a one-month phone follow-up. There were no major complications. The rectus abdominis muscle flap may be considered in challenging obstetric fistula repairs.
Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
29 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
29 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
29 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 May 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
16 Jul 20241st Revision Received
24 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
24 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
24 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept