Urogenital Fistulae in India: Results of a Retrospective Analysis

Surgical repair of post-cesarean vesicouterine fistula: A systematic review and a plea for prevention

BACKGROUND

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a iatrogenic injury in the vast majority of cases. The worldwide increase of cesarean delivery rates is expected to lead to increased complications.

OBJECTIVES

To assess current evidence on VUF pathogenesis and surgical management.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Pubmed and Embase databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2023 using relevant key words.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only original articles including either transabdominal or transvaginal surgical routes for post-cesarean VUF repair, in English language, were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened the references for eligibility, data extraction, and assessment of methodologic quality. All available surgical outcomes were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 1160 studies retrieved, 67 were selected for analysis. Most of these were case reports, case series, or observational cohort studies including a total of 284 patients. The majority (78.6%) of patients had more than one cesarean section, and approximately 10% of them experienced an overt bladder injury and/or uterine rupture at the time of cesarean delivery. The supratrigonal part of the bladder was most commonly involved (92.5%). The majority of patients (88.8%) underwent delayed VUF repair through laparotomy. Length of stay and blood loss were significantly less in patients treated via a minimally invasive approach (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Most patients had double-layer bladder repair and single-layer uterine repair. The overall success rate was 100% on first attempt for each independent combination of different surgical approaches and techniques. Live birth following VUF repair was reported in 23 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Paying close attention to surgical details is crucial to reduce the incidence of this complication and recurrence rates. Double-layer bladder closure and delayed timing of repair of VUF are recommended.

Vesicouterine Fistula After Cesarean Delivery at Full Cervical Dilation

IMPORTANCE

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is an iatrogenic consequence of cesarean section in the vast majority of cases. The worldwide increase of cesarean delivery rates is likely to be accompanied by a rise of this complication, and surgery is the mainstay treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess current evidence on VUF pathogenesis and management.

STUDY DESIGN

The study is a case report and literature review on PubMed and Embase spanning over the past 2 decades.

RESULTS

An early VUF developed after a cesarean section at full cervical dilation and concurrent incidental bladder injury. A transabdominal extravesical repair was performed 3 months after cesarean delivery. Both the cystotomy and hysterotomy were repaired in a double-layer fashion with no interposition flap. A contemporary literature review including 25 patients showed that VUF was repaired transabdominally in 21 patients (84%), and an open approach was adopted in 18 patients (85.7%). In most patients, the uterine side was closed with a single-layer suture and an interposition flap was used to reinforce the repair. Concomitant hysterectomy was performed in 6 patients (24%). Overall, successful term pregnancies were reported in 2 patients after VUF repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Vesicouterine fistula is a rare event and is commonly associated with cesarean sections, especially those with a concurrent bladder injury. Careful and meticulous surgical technique may prevent the occurrence of this condition. Delayed repair and double-layer closure of both bladder and uterus, with or without an interposition flap, are recommended.

Management strategies and outcome of ureterovaginal fistulae: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Genitourinary fistula is a distressful condition involving mental, social, marital, and financial repercussions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, the timing of repair, and perform a meta-analysis evaluating the success rate of various treatment modalities with respect to time taken to seek treatment.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We performed a critical review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in April 2020 according to the PRISMA statement. Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis and all were retrospective in design.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Each article was rated by the evidence-based medicine levels of evidence scale and the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies scale for assessment of bias among nonrandomized studies.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 799 fistulae reported in 17 studies, endoscopic management was done in 35.6% (12 studies), whereas surgical management was preferred in 85.6% fistulae (15 studies). The pooled success of endoscopic stenting was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7-64) and 100% (95% CI: 98-100) in operated patients. Patients who underwent stenting within 2 weeks (20%), 2-6 weeks (21%), and >6 weeks (40%) had pooled success rates of 95% (95% CI: 87-100), 46% (95% CI: 0-100), and 20% (95% CI: 1-49), respectively. Patients who underwent surgical management <6 weeks (15.9%) and >6 weeks (22%) of diagnosis had pooled success rates of 100% (95% CI: 99-100) and 100% (95% CI: 99-100), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent placement as early as <6 weeks (preferably < 2 weeks) had better outcomes as compared to >6 weeks. Proceeding to surgery regardless of timing in cases of stent failure seems to be a feasible option.

Clinical Profile, Surgical Approach and Outcome of Complicated Genital Fistulae in Urban Population of a Developing Nation

Objectives

To study aetiology and management of complicated genital fistulae and to evaluate the outcome of the treatment.

Methods

This observational study enrolled patients with complicated genital fistulae from September 2008 to August 2018 at Sant Parmanand Hospital, Delhi. Patients underwent a reparative surgery or ureteric stenting after a detailed preoperative workup. Patients were followed up for the assessment of outcomes.

Results

A total of 16 patients were recruited: Ten (62.5%) patients had fistulae secondary to gynaecological surgeries (seven laparoscopic and three abdominal hysterectomies) and six (37.5%) patients had obstetric fistulae. At a mean follow-up of 5.8 years among obstetric fistulae and 7.3 years among post-operative fistulae, 100% success rate was maintained with the first attempt of reparative surgery or ureteric stenting. There were no major complications. Two patients had recurrent urinary tract infections, and one patient had transient urinary incontinence for 4 weeks.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that complicated genital fistulae occur more commonly secondary to gynaecological surgeries as compared to obstetric complications in a contemporary cohort from a metropolitan city. A 100% success rate of reparative surgery could be achieved with a transperitoneal approach. Good outcome in ureteric fistulae can be achieved with conservative approach, after proper case selection.

Laparoscopic Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair with Limited Cystotomy: A Rewarding Treatment Option

INTRODUCTION

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is the most common type of urogenital fistula. Gynecologic surgery is the most common cause associated with it. Laparoscopic approach for VVF repair gives the benefit of minimally invasive surgery with principles similar to open transabdominal approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data of 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic vesicovaginal repair at our department from December 2012 to December 2014. Transperitoneal transvesical laparoscopic vesicovaginal repair using 4 ports was performed in all cases. Small cystotomy was performed instead of classical bivalving of the bladder. In most of the cases, the sigmoid epiploic appendix was used for augmentation. Per urethral catheter was kept for 10 days.

RESULTS

In all patients, the procedure was successfully completed. Repairs were performed between 8 and 28 weeks (mean 15.8 ± 5.7) following the injury. All fistulas were at supratrigonal region. Fistula size ranged from 1 to 3.5 cm (mean 2.2 ± 0.9). Mean operative time was 157 ± 29.8 min (range 110-210), and estimated blood loss was 73.8 ± 18.2 ml (range 45-110). Average hospital stay was 4.6 days. In the postoperative period, three patients had urinary tract infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics. Apart from these, no major complications were seen. Follow-up time ranged from 4 to 27 months (mean 15.7). During the follow-up, no patient had recurrence or voiding symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic transabdominal transvesical VVF repair with limited cystotomy and sigmoid epiploic appendix flap coverage can be performed safely with short operative time, good success rate, less morbidity, and quick convalescence.

Management of genitourinary fistula

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review current literature on the management of genitourinary fistulae, specifically, the techniques for diagnosis, timing to repair, surgical approach and recent advancements in surgical technique.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent advancement in minimally invasive surgery has prompted surgeons to perform fistula repairs with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques. Whereas there is a role for transabdominal fistula closure, the majority of fistulae are still best approached via a transvaginal route.

SUMMARY

Genitourinary fistulae from obstetric trauma have received increased attention and funding to treat and prevent this devastating condition in developing countries. Despite multiple classification systems, a standardized classification that accurately identifies predictors of successful repair is lacking. In industrialized nations, genitourinary fistulae are rare and are most frequently associated with pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation, cancer or trauma. Surgical techniques to repair these fistulae have shifted from transabdominal laparotomy to minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. Vascularized tissue flaps can play an important role in successful closure of complex fistulae. Despite advancements in surgical technology, overarching principles of fistula closure remain. The majority of fistulae can be closed through a transvaginal approach, with a tension-free, watertight, multilayer closure.