Small intestinal submucosa patch for extensive vaginal endometriosis resection

This case report describes use of a porcine small intestinal submucosa patch to prevent vaginal stiffness and retraction after extensive vaginal resection of an endometriosis nodule. A 32-year-old nulliparous woman was referred for surgical treatment of a large rectovaginal nodule that extended from the vaginal to the rectal mucosa. Surgical treatment was performed in 2 steps. Initially, a laparoscopic rectal resection was performed without opening the vagina to reduce the risk of fistula formation; 6 months later, the patient underwent a laparoscopic second-look combined with the vaginal approach to remove remaining disease. A small intestinal submucosa patch was successfully used to prevent vaginal shortening.