INTRODUCTION:
Rectocele is a common finding in parous women. While mild to moderate cases are asymptomatic, once a rectocele becomes symptomatic it carries a high risk of recurrence following surgical correction. The prolonged and inefficient healing in this region may be due to the constant bacterial exposure and pressure from straining. This risk is increased in patients who are smokers, diabetic, or immune compromised. An ideal adjunct would promote endogenous regeneration of the tissue defect, minimize inflammatory scar tissue formation, have antimicrobial factors, growth factors, and improve neovascularization. We present a novel use of viable cryopreserved umbilical tissue (vCUT) in posterior colporrhaphy. vCUT is a human tissue allograft regulated by the FDA under 21 CFR part 1271 part 361 human cells, tissue and cellular/tissue based products. It can be utilized for acute and chronic wounds of various etiologies at any location in the body.
METHODS:
Ten patients were followed for up to a year following posterior colporrhaphy with vCUT incorporated into the closure.
RESULTS:
Our data showed patient satisfaction with healing. Patient satisfaction included post-operative complaints, such as pain, discharge, and symptomatic relief of rectocele symptoms. Physical examination showed minimal symptomatic granulation tissue that caused bleeding or discharge. There were no break downs of sutures or infection complications requiring antibiotics.
CONCLUSION:
vCUT is a commercially available product that shows promise in improving rectocele healing. Our small study showed no recurrence for up to a year post surgery and no complications to date have been reported that are attributed to the use of vCUT.
