Abstract: A method for treating exposure of surgical mesh in a subject generally includes administering PEP to tissue adjacent to an area of exposed surgical mesh in an amount effective to treat the area of exposed surgical mesh. In another aspect, a method for treating exposure of surgical mesh in a subject generally includes surgically closing an area of exposed surgical mesh and administering PEP to epithelium adjacent to the surgical closure in an amount effective to treat the area of exposed surgical mesh. In one or more embodiments of either aspect, the amount effective to treat the area of exposed surgical mesh can be an amount effective to increase proliferation of epithelium to decrease the area of exposed surgical mesh, increase thickness of epithelium covering the surgical mesh, or increase vascularization of epithelium covering the surgical mesh.

Abstract: Methods and materials involved in assessing and treating a mammal having a rectovaginal fistula (RVF) are provided herein. For example, the methods and materials described herein can be used for determining if a mammal having a RVF is likely to experience a successful outcome after surgical repair of the RVF, or if the mammal is likely to experience recurrence. Methods and materials for modulating the rectal and/or vaginal microbiome of mammal having a RVF also are provided herein.