Treatment of urogenital fistula in women

Introduction and objectivesWe aimed to assess the results of the genitourinary fistula cases intervened in our center in a ten year period.Patients and methodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionIn experienced hands and according with the related basic surgical principles, operative treatment in genitourinary fistula represents an effective modality with high success rate.     

女性尿路生殖道瘘诊疗分析(附27例报告)

目的:总结女性尿路生殖道瘘临床诊疗经验,探讨复杂性女性尿路生殖道瘘的治疗方法。方法:本组27例,年龄16~56岁,平均41.2岁。其中膀胱阴道瘘9例,输尿管阴道瘘15例,输尿管子宫瘘1例,尿道阴道瘘2例。妇科盆腔手术所致23例,会阴部或盆腔外伤所致3例,放疗所致1例。9例膀胱阴道瘘中,3例行耻骨上经膀胱修补,2例经阴道修补,3例复杂性瘘经腹修补并移植带蒂大网膜,1例放疗后复杂性瘘行输尿管皮肤造口术。15例输尿管阴道瘘中,6例行输尿管镜下输尿管双J管留置术,9例行输尿管膀胱再植术。1例输尿管子宫瘘行耻骨上辅助经脐单孔腹腔镜(SA-LESS)输尿管膀胱再植术。2例尿道阴道瘘均经阴道行修补术,其中1例采用改进三层错位缝合术修补。结果:24例一次治愈,成功率为88.89%(24/27);3例二次手术治愈。平均手术时间75(45~135)min,平均术中出血量60(15~150)ml。术后随访4个月~13年,27例患者均未再出现漏尿,无尿失禁、尿道及阴道狭窄,无继发性肾功能损害。结论:女性尿路生殖道瘘修补手术方法因人因病而定。术前充分准备,选择恰当的手术修补时机、正确的手术修补途径、术中精细操作是提高尿路生殖道瘘手术成功的关键。对复杂性尿瘘,可采用改进三层错位缝合术、辅助带蒂瓣片或网膜技术修补瘘口,促进愈合。     

Urological injuries in conjunction with gynecologic surgery-10 years' experience

A 10-year evaluation (1983–1992) of 23 patients (mean age 49 years) with urologic injuries in conjunction with gynecologic surgery is presented. There were nine vesicovaginal fistulas, eight ureteral injuries, three bladder lesions, two posterior urethrovaginal fistulas and one vesicocervical fistula. The total incidence of urologic injuries from all major gynecologic operations (n=16 400) was 0.09% and that of abdominal hysterectomies (n=4082) 0.17%. Vesicovaginal fistulas and ureteral injuries comprised two-thirds (17/23) of all injuries. All vesicovaginal fistulas followed abdominal hysterectomy, whereas almost half (3/8) of ureteral injuries were recognized after radical hysterectomy. Of nine vesicovaginal fistulas two were cured by prolonged transurethral catheter drainage: the other seven underwent successful transabdominal repair at first attempt. All the eight ureteral injuries were cured successfully at the first attempt, five of them by ureteroneocystostomy and the others with ureteral stent placement. One of the urethrovaginal fistulas was repaired successfully at the first attempt, the other required a second repair. At follow-up (mean 4 years) all patients were doing well. Urologic injuries after gynecologic surgery are extremely rare (0.09% in our series) but when they occur they can be consistently repaired by modern surgical techniques.Editorial Comment: This report of a 10-year experience with various types of fistula and ureteral injury indicates a very low incidence as well as a very high success rate in their management. Of note is the high frequency of fistulas following urethral diverticulectomy (18%). Care must be taken when closing the anterior vaginal wall in this procedure. There must be no tension and adequately vascularized tissue must be present. The preparation of flaps is usually possible as the dissection of the diverticulum proceeds, with the goal of having enough tissue to allow a vest-over closure in one or two layers. If there is any doubt about the closure a bulbocavernosus fat pad graft should be prepared and placed as an additional layer prior to closure of the vaginal wall.     

Vesicovaginal and Ureterovaginal Fistulas: A Review of 39 Cases

The aim of this retrospective study was to present our experience in the treatment modalities of patients with vesicovaginal and ureterovaginal fistula. Between 1987 and 1997, 39 patients were diagnosed and operated on for vesicovaginal and ureterovaginal fistula. Of these patients, 31 had vesicovaginal, 7 had ureterovaginal and 1 had both vesicovaginal and ureterovaginal fistula. The ureterovaginal fistulas were repaired by simple ureteroneocystostomy with 100% success. Vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistulas were repaired transvaginally in 7 cases, transabdominally in 23 cases and endoscopically in two cases with 77% success at first attempt and 92% success with several attempts. The successful repair of urinary tract fistulas can be achieved in the majority of cases by adhering to the basic surgical principles. The optimum approach is that which works best in the surgeon's hands.     

Results of Closure of Urethrocutaneous Fistulas after Hypospadias Repair

Background:
Urethrocutaneous fistulas are one of the major causes of morbidity after hypospadias repair.
Methods:
During the last 2.5 years, 26 patients underwent repair of 41 urethrocutaneous fistulas. These fistulas were repaired by a 3-layered closure method, by using meticulous surgical techniques aided by optical magnification. In large fistulas, a dermal subcutaneous flap was created and brought over the surgically repaired urethral fistula.
Results:
Twenty-four of the 26 patients with urethrocutaneous fistulas after hypospadias repair had fistula closure, with a 92% success rate.
Conclusion:
A high success rate was obtained with a multilayered closure using meticulous techniques to repair urethrocutaneous fistulas.     

Spontaneous closure of vesicouterine fistula. Account for effective hormonal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence of spontaneous closure, or non-surgical resolution, of vesicouterine fistula and discuss the resultant implications for the management. METHODS: Review of the literature supplemented by case report of a young woman with spontaneous healing of vesicouterine fistula. RESULTS: This is the 41st patient with spontaneous closure of vesicouterine fistula reported to date. Her clinical course was suggestive of endocrine involvement in the lesion's formation. Spontaneous healing was observed in 5% of 796 vesicouterine fistula cases. Induction of amenorrhea was effective in 8 (89%) of the 9 patients treated, a rate significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that observed without hormonal manipulation (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management by means of hormonal treatment should be considered before surgical repair. We suggest the role of estrogens and the endometrium in the formation of vesicouterine fistulas.     

Role of the martius procedure in the management of urinary-vaginal fistulas

BACKGROUND: Urinary-vaginal fistula is one of the most common and dreaded complications of obstetric trauma in developing countries. Management of these fistulas is complicated by the presence of substantial urethral loss and the tendency of the repair to break down. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively studied 46 patients with urinary-vaginal fistulas operated on in our institution over 5 years. Most of the patients had obstetric trauma as the causative factor. Twelve patients had urethrovaginal and 34 had vesicovaginal fistulas. Of the 12 patients with urethrovaginal fistulas, 8 underwent a Martius procedure and 4 were treated with simple anatomic repair. Of the 34 patients with vesicovaginal fistulas, 13 underwent a Martius procedure and 21 were treated with anatomic repair. Nineteen patients had recurrent fistulas and 17 had multiple fistulas. RESULTS: Only one patient with a urethrovaginal fistula treated with a Martius procedure had recurrence, compared with three of four of the patients having anatomic repair. None of the patients with vesicovaginal fistulas treated with a Martius flap had recurrence, compared with 4 of 21 in the anatomic-repair group (19.05%). Thirteen patients with single fistulas (7 urethrovaginal and 6 vesicovaginal) treated with a Martius procedure healed well without failure, compared with 1 failure among 16 fistulas (1 urethrovaginal and 15 vesicovaginal) in the anatomic-repair group. In the group of patients with multiple fistulas, the Martius flap also showed a definite advantage. Eight patients with multiple fistulas were offered the Martius flap. The procedures were successful in all but one, compared with six failures out of nine treated with anatomic repair. None of the patients having primary treatment with the Martius flap had postoperative recurrence, compared with 3 of 18 having anatomic repair (16.67%). Only 1 of 12 patients with recurrent fistulas undergoing Martius flap repair had failure (8.33%), compared with 4 of 7 undergoing anatomic repair (57.14%). None of the patients treated with the Martius procedure experienced dyspareunia postoperatively, compared with 33.33% of the patients treated with anatomic repair. CONCLUSIONS: The overall success rate was far better and the complication rate (especially incontinence and dyspareunia) was considerably less with the Martius procedure. We recommend the Martius procedure for urethrovaginal and vesicovaginal fistulas, especially those that are recurrent or multiple.     

Ten-year experience with transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula repair using tissue interposition

PURPOSE: The success rate of vesicovaginal fistula repair is improved by tissue interposition. The Martius flap produces reliable results but it has increased morbidity. A peritoneal flap is easily created with minimal morbidity and it can be used for proximal fistulas. We describe our 10-year experience with tissue interposition for transvaginal repair of vesicovaginal fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1991 to July 2001, 207 cases of vesicovaginal fistulas were repaired transvaginally. Tissue interposition was used for complex (greater than 2 cm. and/or radiation induced) fistulas and/or failed previous repairs. A peritoneal flap was used for proximal fistulas and a Martius flap was used for distal fistulas. A full-thickness labial flap was reserved for cases of insufficient vaginal epithelium. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients underwent transvaginal repair of a vesicovaginal fistula. Etiology of the fistula was hysterectomy in 91% of cases (abdominal in 83% and vaginal in 8%), radiation in 4% and 5% other (obstetric trauma, anterior colporrhaphy or an indwelling catheter) in 5%. In 159 patients (77%) at least 1 previous repair had failed. Repair in 120 patients (58%) was done with tissue interposition, including a peritoneal, Martius and full-thickness labial flap in 83, 34 and 3, respectively. The cure rate after initial repair with a peritoneal, Martius and labial flap was 96%, 97% and 33%, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A peritoneal flap for transvaginal repair of vesicovaginal fistulas has minimal morbidity, results in a success rate comparable to that of the Martius flap and is especially useful for proximal fistulas when previous repair has failed.     

Large post-hysterectomy and post-radiation vesicovaginal fistulas: repair by ileocystoplasty

PURPOSE: We devised a technique for simultaneous closure of large post-hysterectomy and post-radiation vesicovaginal fistulas, and augmentation of the concomitant shrunken bladder by ileocystoplasty as a 1-step procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1989 and 2000, 4 patients with large vesicovaginal fistulas after radical hysterectomy and radiotherapy for spinocellular cancer of the uterine cervix underwent fistula repair according to the technique described. The premise of utmost importance in the proposed technique is a healthy and not radiation damaged distal ileum. RESULTS: Fistula closure was achieved in 3 patients, while in 1 a 3 mm residual fistula was repaired 5 years later by a Martius skin flap. In all patients the augmented bladder allowed good quality of life with spontaneous voiding, and daytime and nighttime continence. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described seems to have certain advantages. Wide dissection of the bladder from the vagina and pelvic walls is avoided. The bladder defect is closed with a well vascularized ileal segment. Bladder capacity is enlarged simultaneously with good functional results. The procedure can be adapted to cases with concomitant damaged distal ureters.     

带蒂腹直肌瓣修补膀胱阴道瘘39例疗效分析

目的:探讨带蒂腹直肌瓣修补膀胱阴道瘘的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2006年1月～2011年1月对39例较大瘘口的膀胱阴道瘘患者行带蒂腹直肌瓣修补,其中初次修补34例,2次以上修补5例;单纯瘘口修补30例,瘘口修补并输尿管膀胱再植9例。结果:39例患者中有38例获得随访,1例失访。一次手术成功率97.4%(37例);1例(2.6%)行二次修补治愈。术后随访6～36个月,均未出现阴道漏尿。结论:利用带蒂腹直肌瓣覆盖修补瘘口是治疗膀胱阴道瘘的有效方法。     

Transurethral resection of the prostate among medicare beneficiaries: 1984 to 1997. For the Patient Outcomes Research Team for Prostatic Diseases

PURPOSE: Urethrovaginal fistulas are commonly repaired transvaginally with local tissue flaps, such as the Martius labial fat pad graft. Although this flap is ideal, if it fails and the fistula persists, subsequent treatment options are limited. We describe the use of a pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap for the repair of complex and refractory urethrovaginal fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six women with a mean age of 53 years (range 41 to 62) who had complex and refractory urethrovaginal fistulas were referred to our continence center. Mean number of prior attempted repairs was 1.3 and in all cases at least 1 Martius flap had failed. Transvaginal urethrovaginal fistula closure was performed followed by a pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap interposed between the fistula closure and vaginal suture line. The muscle flap was based on the inferior epigastric vessels, and provided additional support to the urethra, bladder neck and bladder base. RESULTS: Urethrovaginal fistula repair with the rectus abdominis muscle flap was successful in all cases. No fistula recurred. Of the patients 5 (83%) were continent and able to void to completion at a mean followup of 23 months (range 2 to 66). CONCLUSIONS: The rectus abdominis muscle flap is a useful adjunct in the repair of complex and refractory urethrovaginal fistulas. It can be used with confidence to provide support to the bladder neck and proximal urethra in patients after failed prior repair with the Martius flap procedure. The pelvic surgeon may be able to recognize other applications for the rectus abdominis muscle flap in pelvic floor reconstruction.     

Prognostic factors of recurrence after vesicovaginal fistula repair

PURPOSE: We evaluate the prognostic factors of recurrence in patients after the surgical repair of vesicovaginal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1985 to 2002, 73 women with vesicovaginal fistula underwent late (> 3 months) surgical repair. A multivariate analysis of the data was performed with the EPI-INFO software. All P-values were two-sided, with odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total number of 73 patients underwent 97 procedures with a mean rate of 1.38 procedures/patient. The overall surgical success rate was 86.7%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that recurrence was statistically significant for multiple fistulas (single vs two or more), fistula size (>10 mm), fistula type (Type I vs Type II), fistula etiology (obstetrical vs non-obstetrical) and the presence of urinary tract infection before the repair. Recurrence risk was fivefold higher for both the size and the type of the fistula, threefold higher for obstetrical etiology and 4.5-fold higher for multiple fistula. The interposition of flaps was a protective factor for recurrent cases. The surgical approach was not a significant prognostic factor of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Successful closure of a vesicovaginal fistula requires an accurate and a timely repair using procedures that exploit basic surgical principles. Multiple fistula, size and type of the fistula, and obstetrical etiology were the recurrence risk factors. We recommend in all patients with multiple risk factors for recurrence, the interposition of flaps.     

经腹径路手术治疗膀胱阴道瘘的临床分析

目的:探讨经腹径路手术治疗膀胱阴道瘘的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析14例女性膀胱阴道瘘患者资料。患者平均年龄41.36岁。临床表现不同程度阴道漏尿,或伴血尿及膀胱刺激症状。膀胱镜检、膀胱尿道造影及CT三维重建术前确诊。先后行经腹径路膀胱阴道瘘修复手术,其中采取经膀胱径路9例,膀胱外径路5例。结果:14例术后随访9～103个月,平均46.26个月。2例术后出现再次膀胱阴道瘘,行二次修补手术后未再复发,1例出现切口感染,经对症处理后愈合,其余患者均未出现尿瘘复发及其他严重并发症。结论:经腹径路手术治疗膀胱阴道瘘,术中视野暴露充分,易于获取带蒂支持组织,尤其对于复杂性膀胱阴道瘘及合并输尿管等组织损伤可疑患者,是一种可行的手术治疗方式。     

Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula

PURPOSE: Vesicovaginal fistula may be a complication of urogynecologic surgery. We describe the technique of laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula as performed at our 2 institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since August 1998 laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula was performed in 15 select patients who had clear indications to undergo surgical treatment through an abdominal approach. Hysterectomy had previously been performed in 14 patients (93%). Conservative treatment was initially attempted for more than 2 months in all cases. Four patients had undergone a previous surgical fistula closure attempt with unsuccessful results. Our technique involved cystoscopy, catheterization of the vesicovaginal fistula, laparoscopic cystotomy, opening and excision of the fistulous tract, dissection of the bladder from the vagina, cystotomy closure and colpotomy with interposition of a flap of healthy tissue. Demographic as well as perioperative and outcome data were recorded. RESULTS: Average patient age was 38 years. None of the cases required open conversion. Mean operative time was 170 minutes (range 140 to 240). Mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2 to 5). The mean duration of bladder catheterization was 10.4 days (range 9 to 15) At a mean followup of 26.2 months (range 3 to 60) 14 patients (93%) were cured. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula is a feasible and efficacious minimally invasive approach for the management of this entity.     

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of a vesicouterine fistula

Background:

As cesarean sections become a more common mode of delivery, they have become the most likely cause of vesicouterine fistula formation. The associated pathology with repeat cesarean deliveries may make repair of these fistulas difficult. Computer-enhanced telesurgery, also known as robotic-assisted surgery, offers a 3-dimensional view of the operative field and allows for intricate movements necessary for complex suturing and dissection. These qualities are advantageous in vesicouterine fistula repair.

Case:

A healthy 34-year-old woman who underwent 4 cesarean deliveries presented with a persistent vesicouterine fistula. Conservative management with bladder decompression and amenorrhea-inducing agents failed.

Results:

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair was successfully performed with the patient maintaining continence after surgery.

Conclusion:

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of vesicouterine fistulas offers a minimally invasive approach to treatment of a complex disease process.     

Urovaginal fistulas: 20 years of experience with 45 cases

We treated 45 patients with urovaginal fistulas owing to operative gynecological procedures and radiotherapy: 36 had vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal, 6 had ureterovaginal and 3 had rectovesicovaginal fistulas. Reconstruction was performed in 40 patients, mainly via a transvesical approach. There was good success in patients not given radiotherapy: 24 of 26 patients experienced primary healing and no failures were noted. Of the 14 patients treated by irradiation 9 had primary healing and 3 failed therapy. Patients with a urovaginal fistula should be referred to centers with special interest in this type of repair. An alternative surgical technique with the carbon dioxide laser deserves consideration in patients with scarred and irradiated tissue.     

经阴膀胱阴道瘘修补术的改良及其初步结果

目的：描述一种改良的经阴膀胱阴道瘘修补术并报告其初步临床应用结果。方法：在经阴膀胱阴道瘘修补术中,采用Foley导尿管牵引技术为手术提供良好的视野暴露,同时为组织层次的分离提供有效的对抗牵引力量和可靠的依托平台,使手术程序简化,难度降低,提高组织分离的准确性,减少组织切除量,完成瘘口的三层无张力关闭。本组共有12例膀胱阴道瘘患者接受改良的经阴膀胱阴道瘘修补术,其中三角区上方瘘9例,三角区瘘3例,5例曾经历过一次以上失败的修补术。结果：12例患者均一次手术成功,手术时间20～80min,出血量均〈100ml,住院时间5～14d,留置导尿管时间13-23d。随访3～36个月,未发现瘘复发,3例有泌尿系感染经抗菌素治愈,1例表现出压力性尿失禁经做中段尿道吊带术治愈。结论：以Foley导尿管牵引技术为特点的改良经阴膀胱阴道瘘修补术是一种创伤小,成功率高的手术方式。     

带蒂膀胱瓣修补膀胱阴道瘘38例疗效分析

目的：探讨带蒂膀胱肌瓣修补膀胱阴道瘘的临床疗效。方法：对我院38例行带蒂膀胱肌瓣覆盖修补膀胱阴道瘘患者进行回顾性分析。初次修补患者22例,二次以上修补患者16例;单纯瘘口修补术25例,修补并输尿管膀胱再植术13例。结果：38例患者中有37例获得随访,1例失访。一次手术成功率94.59％（35／37）;1例手术失败,行二次修补治愈;1例术后出现膀胱缝合口漏尿,留置导尿2周后消失。术后随访患者均未出现阴道漏尿,6例患者出现轻度。肾积水,13例患者出现轻度尿失禁。结论：利用带蒂膀胱瓣覆盖修补瘘口是治疗膀胱阴道瘘的有效方法。     

Transurethral Suture Cystorrhaphy for Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Evolution of a Technique

Technical difficulties in the initially described transurethral repair of vesicovaginal fistulas have led to several modifications in technique. In an uncontrolled trial, these modifications included the use of a suprapubic tract, along with an arthroscope for visualization of the fistula. A large-caliber port is passed per urethram for transurethral instrumentation access. New-generation laparoscopic needle driver technology markedly improves the ease of transurethral suturing. Three previously unreported vesicovaginal fistula patients have had successful resolution of their fistulas after undergoing transurethral repair. Small-diameter vesicovaginal fistulas in selected patients can be successfully repaired by a minimally invasive transurethral suture technique.