Objective To evaluate the feasibility of establishing canine rectovaginal fistula animal model using magnetic surgery techniques.

Methods Ten female Beagle dogs were randomly divided into study group (n=5) and control group (n=5). The study group underwent rectovaginal fistula modeling using magnetic surgery technology, while the control group was subjected to sharp puncture of the rectovaginal septum followed by indwelling rubber tube placement to establish the model. Surgical procedure duration and postoperative adverse events were recorded in both groups. Two weeks later, the magnets and rubber tubes were removed. The formation of rectovaginal fistulas in the animals of two groups was observed, and the success rates of model construction of two groups were statistically analyzed.

Results Both groups successfully completed the preparation of the rectovaginal fistula models. The operative time in both groups was less than 2 minutes. No adverse events such as magnet detachment were observed in the study group during the postoperative period. In the control group, the rubber tube dislodged on day 6 post-surgery in one dog, leading to spontaneous healing of the fistula. Two weeks after surgery, the magnets and rubber tubes were removed. Naked-eye observation showed that the rectovaginal fistula formed well in the experimental dogs of the study group, while the rectovaginal fistula formed well in 4 experimental dogs in the control group. The success rate of model construction in the study group was 100%, and was 80% in the control group.

Conclusion The construction of a canine rectovaginal fistula model by magnetosurgical techniques has the advantages of simple operation and high success rate. Magnetosurgical techniques may serve as an ideal animal model for constructing and studying the histopathological changes and treatment methods of rectovaginal fistulas.