Sexual function after vaginal and abdominal fistula repair

Women's sexual activity and experiences following female genital fistula surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair has a transformative impact on the lives of women affected by female genital fistula; however, various physical, social, and economic challenges may persist postrepair and prevent complete reengagement in relationships and communities. Nuanced investigation of these experiences is needed to inform programming that aligns with women's reintegration needs.

AIM

We investigated the sexual activity resumption, experiences, and concerns of women in Uganda during the year following genital fistula repair surgery.

METHODS

Women were recruited from Mulago Hospital between December 2014 and June 2015. We collected data at baseline and 4 times postsurgery about sociodemographic characteristics and physical/psychosocial status; we also assessed sexual interest and satisfaction twice. We performed in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. We analyzed quantitative findings via univariate analyses, and qualitative findings were coded and analyzed thematically.

OUTCOMES

We assessed sexual readiness, fears, and challenges following surgical repair of female genital fistula using quantitative and qualitative measures of sexual activity, pain with sex, sexual interest/disinterest, and sexual satisfaction/dissatisfaction.

RESULTS

Among the 60 participants, 18% were sexually active at baseline, which decreased to 7% postsurgery and increased to 55% at 1 year after repair. Dyspareunia was reported by 27% at baseline and 10% at 1 year; few described leakage during sex or vaginal dryness. Qualitative findings showed wide variance of sexual experiences. Some reported sexual readiness quickly after surgery, and some were not ready after 1 year. For all, fears included fistula recurrence and unwanted pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that postrepair sexual experiences vary widely and intersect meaningfully with marital and social roles following fistula and repair. In addition to physical repair, ongoing psychosocial support is needed for comprehensive reintegration and the restoration of desired sexuality.

HIGHLIGHTS

Factors associated with surgical repair success of female genital fistula in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Experiences of the Fistula Care Plus Project, 2017-2019

Objective

We sought to document outcomes and factors associated with surgical success in hospitals supported by the Fistula Care Plus Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 2017–2019.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study analysing routine repair data on women with Female Genital Fistula. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with successful fistula repair.

Results

A total of 895 women were included in this study, with a mean age of 34 years (±13 years). The majority were married or in union (57.4%) and living in rural areas (82.0%), while nearly half were farmers (45.9%). The average duration living with fistula was 8 years (±7). Vesicovaginal (70.5%) and complex (59.8%) fistulas were the most common fistula types. Caesarean section (34.7%), obstructed labour (27.0%) and prolonged labour (23.0%) were the main aetiologies, with the causal deliveries resulting in stillbirth in 88% of cases. The vaginal route (74.9%) was the primary route for surgical repair. The median duration of bladder catheterization after surgery was 14 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7–21). Multivariate analysis revealed that Waaldijk type I fistula (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.36–5.40), no previous surgery (aOR:2.63, 95% CI:1.43–3.19), repair at Panzi Hospital (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI:1.36–5.40), and bladder catheterization for less than 10 days (aOR:13.94, 95% CI: 4.91–39.55) or 11–14 days (aOR: 6.07, 95% CI: 2.21–15.31) were associated with better repair outcomes.

Conclusion

The Fistula Care Plus Project in the DRC recorded good fistula repair outcomes. However, further efforts are needed to promote adequate management of fistula cases.

Contemporary Outcomes of Surgery for Primary and Recurrent Genitourinary Fistulae in a Well-resourced Country

Background

Urinary fistula (UF) is a global health problem but less common in well-resourced countries. Over the past decade there has been a trend toward managing UF in dedicated centres. Most of the evidence for surgical treatment is from individual case series, with few publications that involve high numbers. We describe the repair of recurrent and complex UF cases and outcomes in a tertiary referral setting.

Objective

To describe UF aetiology, repair techniques, and outcomes.

Design setting and participants

This is a retrospective study of a series of patients undergoing UF repair at a specialist unit.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

We describe the aetiology, cure rate, complications, and postoperative urinary incontinence rates for the series of UF cases.

Results and limitations

A consecutive series of 98 patients was identified, all of whom were tertiary referrals. Of these, 31 (31.6%) had at least one prior attempt at repair at another centre. The median age was 48 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 40-60.25). The median time from occurrence to repair was 12 mo (IQR 6-12). UF occurred most commonly following hysterectomy (48.0%), Caesarean section (9.2%), other gynaecological surgery (7.1%), and anti-incontinence surgery (7.1%). Complex fistulae (eg, repeat cases, radiation, ureteric involvement) comprised 41 of the cases (41.8%). Most patients with vesicovaginal fistula underwent repair via a transabdominal approach (70.4%). Tissue interposition was used in 96 cases (98%). There were no Clavien-Dindo grade >3 complications. Two patients (2%) had a persistent UF postoperatively. Two patients (2%) developed recurrence more than 2 yr after their initial repair, and both were successfully repaired at our centre. Twelve patients (12.3%) developed de novo overactive bladder, 22 (22.5%) developed stress urinary incontinence (13 had subsequent incontinence surgery), and two (2%) developed bladder pain (both had a subsequent cystectomy).

Conclusions

Despite a high rate of recurrent and complex UF, successful lasting closure was achieved in 96% of our cases. A minority of patients developed other problems such as de novo overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence that may require further treatment.

Patient summary

Urinary fistula is an abnormal opening or connection in the urinary tract and is less common in well-resourced countries. As a consequence, management of this condition is more frequently undertaken at specialist units. Even patients with a complex fistula and those who have had multiple attempts at repair can experience a cure. Urinary leakage is a common complication after the operation but can be successfully managed with surgery.

Impact of vesicovaginal fistula repair on urinary and sexual function: patient-reported outcomes over long-term follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

While the anatomical closure rates of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) following transabdominal (TA) and transvaginal (TV) repairs seem comparable, studies comparing urinary and sexual outcomes following successful repair are lacking. We aimed to report patient-reported outcomes on sexual and urinary functions after long-term follow-up with successful repair.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 81 women who had successful VVF repair at our institute. Pre-, intra- and post-operative details were retrieved from electronic data software. Patient-reported sexual and urinary function outcomes were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), respectively, at last follow-up. We also compared such outcomes among TA and TV repairs.

RESULTS

Of 81 women, 28 (34.6%) had TA and 53 (65.4%) had TV repairs. Mean age was 37.5 years and mean fistula diameter was 12.9 mm. The most common aetiology was hysterectomy. Thirty-three patients (40.7%) had previous failed repairs. At a mean follow-up of 29.8 months, 24 (34.3%) women had sexual dysfunction and 15 (18.5%) women experienced urinary dysfunction. The TA and TV groups had comparable mean FSFI scores (28.7 ± 6.1 vs. 30.9 ± 5.2, p = 0.13) and ICIQ-SF scores (0.7 ± 1.7 vs. 0.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.59). In multivariate analysis, fistula size and site were significant predictors of urinary dysfunction whereas multiparity was the most significant predictor of sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual and urinary dysfunction is found in a considerable number of women after VVF repair. However, our data suggest comparable long-term sexual and continence outcomes between TA and TV repairs.

The cost effectiveness of vaginal versus abdominal repair of vesicovaginal fistulae

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to assess the comparative provider costs of vaginal and open abdominal repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and to determine the most cost-effective means of managing VVF.

Methods

A prospectively acquired database of all women undergoing VVF repair by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2015 was retrospectively reviewed to determine operating time, perioperative complications, inpatient stay and 30-day readmissions. The success and cost of the VVF repair were identified. Statistical analysis was by unpaired t test, Chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Forty-seven consecutive women of mean age 51 years (range 21–88) undergoing a first attempt at VVF repair at our institution were included; 32(68%) had vaginal repair with Martius fat pad interposition and 15 (32%) had open abdominal repair with omental interposition. There were no perioperative complications or 30-day readmissions in either group. Mean operative time was longer for open abdominal (223.4 min) than vaginal repair (196.9 min). Median inpatient stay was longer for an open abdominal (8 days) than for a vaginal approach (4 days). Successful anatomical closure was achieved in 91% of vaginal and 86% of open abdominal repairs at first attempt, and in 100% after second repair, where required. Mean/median costs for an abdominal repair were significantly higher, at £4,608.69/£4,169.20 than for vaginal repair at £3,381.50/£3,009.24 (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Vesicovaginal fistulae were successfully repaired in 89% of cases at first attempt. The success rate did not differ between approaches. Vaginal repair is significantly more cost-effective than abdominal repair owing to the shorter operative time and length of stay.

Vesicovaginal fistula: Review and recent trends

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal communication between the bladder and the vagina. Prompt diagnosis and timely repair are essential for successful management of these cases. As the clinical scenario is variable, it is difficult to frame uniform guidelines for the management of VVF. Hence, the management protocol is dependent on the treating surgeon and the available resources. Conservative methods should be used in carefully selected patients. Delayed repair is better than the early repair of VVF. Transvaginal route for repair is preferred as it has low morbidity, higher success rates, and minimal complications. Anticholinergics should be used in the postoperative period for better chance of bladder healing. When facilities are available, all the patients may be referred to a tertiary care center where expertise and advanced resources are available. Trained surgeons adapting the new trends should refine the art of VVF repair.

Increased genitourinary fistula rate after bevacizumab in recurrent cervical cancer patients initially treated with definitive radiochemotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy

Background and purpose

Patients with recurrent cervical cancer (RecCC) who received definitive radiochemotherapy including image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) as primary treatment are currently treated in our institution with palliative intent by chemotherapy (CHT) combined with bevacizumab (BEV). We aim to evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal (GI)/genitourinary (GU) fistula formation in these patients.

Materials and methods

Data of 35 consecutive patients with RecCC treated initially with radiochemotherapy and IGABT were collected. Known and presumed risk factors associated with fistula formation were evaluated. Fistula rate was compared between patients receiving CHT or CHT+BEV.

Results

Of the 35 patients, 25 received CHT and 10 patients received CHT+BEV. Clinical characteristics were comparable. Fistulae were reported in 6 patients: two fistulae (8%) in the CHT group, four (40%) in the CHT+BEV group. GU fistula occurred in the CHT+BEV group only (3/4). Of these 6 patients with fistulae, 5 (83%) had undergone previous invasive procedures after the diagnosis of RecCC and 1 patient had undergone pelvic re-irradiation; 3/6 patients had developed a local recurrence. No other risk factors for fistula formation were identified.

Conclusion

In patients with RecCC after definitive radiochemotherapy including IGABT, the addition of BEV to CHT may increase the risk for GU fistula formation, particularly after invasive pelvic procedures. Future clinical studies are required to identify predictors for fistula formation to subsequently improve patient selection for the addition of BEV in the RecCC setting.

Factors associated with the failure of obstetric fistula repair in Guinea: implications for practice

Background

The prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula still remains a concern and a challenge in low income countries.

The objective of this study was to estimate the overall proportions of failure of fistula closure and incontinence among women undergoing repair for obstetric fistula in Guinea and identify its associated factors.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from medical records of fistula repairs between 1 January 2012 and 30 September 2013. The outcome was the failure of fistula closure and incontinence at hospital discharge evaluated by a dye test. A sub-sample of women with vesicovaginal fistula was used to identify the factors associated with these outcomes.

Results

Overall, 109 women out of 754 (14.5 %; 95 % CI:11.9–17.0) unsuccessful repaired fistula at discharge and 132 (17.5 %; 95 % CI:14.8–20.2) were not continent.

Failure of fistula closure was associated with vaginal delivery (AOR: 1.9; 95 % CI: 1.0–3.6), partially (AOR: 2.0; 95 % CI: 1.1–5.6) or totally damaged urethra (AOR: 5.9; 95 % CI: 2.9–12.3) and surgical repair at Jean Paul II Hospital (AOR: 2.5; 95 % CI: 1.2–4.9).

Women who had a partially damaged urethra (AOR: 2.5; 95 % CI: 1.5–4.4) or a totally damaged urethra (AOR: 6.3; 95 % CI: 3.0–13.0) were more likely to experience post-repair urinary incontinence than women who had their urethra intact.

Conclusion

At programmatic level in Guinea, caution should be paid to the repair of women who present with a damaged urethra and those who delivered vaginally as they carry greater risks of experiencing a failure of fistula closure and incontinence.

[Repair of post-hysterectomy vesicovaginal fistulae: the state of the art]

In western countries, vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) are mostly iatrogenic and in the majority of cases are secondary to hysterectomy. The golden standard for the treatment of VVF has remained largely unchanged since 1953 (Couvelaire): good visualization, good dissection, good approximation of the margins, and good urine drainage. However, several aspects are still being debated, including whether or not to pursue conservative repair, the timing for surgical repair, whether to perform excision of the fistula tract, the best type of surgical access, and whether or not to use tissue interposition. We decided to review the state of the art in the treatment of VVF, which are exclusively of a traumatic nature and non-radiated, by performing a bibliography search carried on Pubmed using keywords such as "vesicovaginal fistula". The search focused on recent articles and was largely restricted to the past 10 years.