Failed Omental Flap Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair Subsequently Repaired Laparoscopically Without an Omental Flap

Feasibility of Transvesical Robotic VVF Repair in Porcine Model

Extraperitoneal transvesicoscopic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair has received limited use because of its narrow working space, longer operation time, and technical difficulty. The present study describes the feasibility of robotic-assisted transvesicoscopic VVF repair in an animal model. Two Yorkshire swine underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) VVF repair. With the 4 trocars, an artificial VVF was made in the supratrigonal area and VVF repair was performed in 3 layers as in open VVF repair methods. The mean operation time was 108 minutes. The operation time was prolonged in 1 case due to weak fixation of bladder to anterior abdominal wall. Equipment interference did not occur. Tissue manipulation and suturing were easy. The results of this study suggest that extraperitoneal RAL procedures for VVF repair may be an effective minimally invasive modality with reduced morbidity. A shorter operation time and easy suturing technique were the distinct merits of the extraperitoneal RAL technique.

Laparoscopic extravesical vesicovaginal fistula repair: our technique and 15-year experience

Introduction and hypothesis

Two types of laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repairs, the traditional transvesical (O’Conor) and extravesical techniques, dominate the literature. We present our 15-year experience of primary and recurrent cases of VVF utilizing an extravesical technique, which we first described in 1999.

Methods

An IRB approved retrospective study revealed 44 female patients with either primary or recurrent VVF. Laparoscopic extravesical repair was performed without an omental flap in the majority of cases. A three-layer closure technique was performed utilizing a double-layer bladder closure and a single-layer vaginal closure followed by bladder testing. A suprapubic catheter was utilized for 2–3 weeks postoperatively for bladder decompression.

Results

A review of our experience reveals a 97 % (32 out of 33) cure for primary VVF and 100 % (11 out of 11) rate for recurrent fistulas, with an overall cure rate of 98 % (43 out of 44) at a mean follow-up of 17.3 months (range 3–64). An omental flap was not utilized in 98 % of patients (43 out of 44), with a success rate of 98 % (42 out of 43). The mean estimated blood loss was 39 mL (range 0–450), mean hospital stay was 1.1 days (range 1–3), and none of the patients suffered any major intra- or postoperative complications. None of the patients required a conversion to open laparotomy.

Conclusions

Based upon our experience we believe that performing laparoscopic extravesical VVF repair using a three-layer closure technique without an interposition omentum is a safe, effective, minimally invasive technique with excellent cure rates in an experienced surgeon’s hands.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical approach to vesicovaginal fistula repair without omental flap: a novel technique

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The O'Connor bladder bivalving technique remains the traditional abdominal approach to vesicovaginal fistula repair whether performed via laparotomy or laparoscopy.

METHODS

This video depicts a new surgical technique utilizing a laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical approach without invasive bladder bivalving or an omental flap. This technique was first described in 1999 and has been utilized on >40 patients with either primary or recurrent vesicovaginal fistulas.

RESULTS

A 98% success rate is reported.

CONCLUSION

This alternative technique can be performed using either a laparoscopy or the traditional laparotomy approach.