[Treatment approach for vesicogenital fistula. Retrospective analysis of our data]

[Laparoscopic repair of vesico-vaginal fistula without intentional cystotomy and guided by vaginal transillumination]

OBJECTIVES

Repair of vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) by laparoscopy provides excellent exposure, which facilitates their implementation through small cystotomy. In some cases is difficult to locate the fistula without the prior opening of the bladder. We present a maneuver using vaginal transillumination to locate the fistula and to reduce the size of the opening bladder during laparoscopic repair without intentional cystotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 4 patients with supra-trigonal FVV produced post-hysterectomy received laparoscopic repair. All patients underwent physical examination, dye test, urethrocystoscopy and intravenous pyelography. Fistula was located using a cystoscope inserted through vagina and placed over the fistula. The emitted light guide laparoscopic dissection in to the plane between the vagina and the bladder just above the fistula, without previous intentional cystotomy.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 42 (38-47) years. Bladder opening size did not reach 2cm. The mean operative time was 160 (120-186) minutes and catheterization time was 10 days. There were no recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic repair of VVF without intentional cystotomy, by direct dissection of the fistulous tract guided by vaginal transillumination is effective; because it quickly locates the fistula in all cases, reduces the size of the bladder opening, shortens operative times and reduces irritative symptoms.

[Treatment of urogenital fistula in women]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the results of the genitourinary fistula cases intervened in our center in a ten year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the clinical data regarding genitourinary fistula from the medical records of 42 female patients who underwent surgery for this condition between May 2001 and June 2010. Age, previous medical history, diagnostic tools used, operative data and clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 51 years. Of 42 patients, 28 had vesicovaginal, 11 had ureterovaginal, and 3 had vesicouterine fistulas. Etiology of vesicovaginal fistula was surgical trauma in 71,5% and obstetric trauma in 28,5% of the patients. O'Connor technique was performed as a single procedure in 12 vesicovaginal fistula cases, and ureteroneocystostomy was added in 3. Transvesical repair was performed in 9, and transvaginal repair in 3 of the patients. All of 11 patients with ureterovaginal fistula were of iatrogenic origin; ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 6, and Boari flap was performed in 5 of these patients. Three vesicouterine fistulas were repaired primarily. Success rates in vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal and vesicouterine fistulas were 96, 100 and 100 percent, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In experienced hands and according with the related basic surgical principles, operative treatment in genitourinary fistula represents an effective modality with high success rate.