What is Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair?
A vesico vaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina, which allows the involuntary flow of urine through the vagina The condition is surgically treated with vesico vaginal fistula repair and is performed under general anesthesia. The walls of the urinary bladder and vagina are repaired by closing the fistula tract in multiple layers via a vaginal approach. A catheter may be left in place to drain urine from the bladder for 2 weeks. The complete surgery may take 1 hours and is done as an outpatient procedure
Like all surgical procedures, vesico vaginal fistula repair may be associated with certain complications, which include:
- Bleeding
- Urinary tract infection
- Injury to bladder or urethra
- Irritation or inflammation at the opening of the vagina
- Recurrence of the fistula occurs in less than 5%
Advantages of Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair via a vaginal approach
The advantages of vesico vaginal fistula repair when compared to open repair include:
- Reduced hospital stay
- Only vaginal incisions and less scarring
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery
