Simultaneous application of human amniotic membrane and Tachosil® in the repair of recto-vaginal fistula in an animal model

• Published in: Comparative clinical pathology Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 405 - 409
• Main Authors: Hosseini, Seyed Vahid, Haghpanah Aski, Mostaan, Al-Hurry, Ahmed Mohammed Ali Hussein, Hassan, Abdul-Razzak Kalaf, Khazraei, Hajar, Zabangirfard, Zahra, Zamani, Mozhdeh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.03.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Hematology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Original Article; Pathology; Recto-vaginal fistula; Wound healing; Human amniotic membrane; Tachosil
• ISSN: 1618-5641; 1618-565X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00580-016-2391-1

Patients with recto-vaginal fistula (RVF) suffer from distressing symptoms like the passage of stool and gas through the vagina. Although surgeons employed various techniques to address this disorder, however, current techniques are invasive and their success rate is variable. Considering the notable features of human amniotic membrane (HAM) as a bio-prosthesis and Tachosil® as a type of biologic mesh, the present study was designed to assess the effect of HAM in the presence of Tachosil® on the repair of RVF in a rabbit model. Twelve New Zealand rabbits weighing 2–2.5 kg with the age of 6–8 months were selected, and RVF was created surgically in all of them. They were randomly divided into three groups for repair with HAM, repair with HAM in the presence of Tachosil®, and standard repair, respectively. Histopathological features were evaluated using modified scoring system. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Gross examination and microscopic evaluation were performed after 4 weeks. Fistula healing occurred in all rabbits and no abscess or infection was detected. Microscopic fistula healing was scored based on epithelialization, collagenization, inflammation, neovascularization, necrosis, and granulation tissue. Differences among these three groups were not statistically significant ( p  > 0.05). Our findings revealed that the major positive effect on RVF repair was related to HAM and healing was not improved in the presence of Tachosil®. Further studies with larger sample size would be helpful for more detailed assessment.