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.     

Genitourinary fistulas of obstetric origin

Objective: To review the results of management of 42 cases of genitourinary fistulas of obstetric origin.Settings: Department of urology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Pakistan.Methods: Forty two cases of genitourinary fistulas (36 vesicovaginal, 2 vesicouterine, one ureterovaginal and 3urethrovaginal) were repaired from 1st December, 1999 to 31st May, 2002). All fistulas were repaired three months or more after formation. Transabdominal and vaginal repair of vesicovaginal fistulas was undertaken in 29 and 7 patients respectively. Two patients had trans-abdominal closure of vesicouterine fistulas. Ureteroneocystostomy with antireflux mechanism was performed for uretereovaginal fistula. For three urethrovaginal fistulas transvaginal layered repair was carried out.Results: Overall success rate for all types of fistula was 85.7% (36 pts).Conclusion: The surgical treatment of genitourinary fistulas will depend upon the type, size and location of fistula. Acceptable results can be achieved by adhering to the surgical principles of fistula repair i.e. optimal tissue conditions, adequate exposure and tension free closure.     

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.     

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.     

Management of giant vesicovaginal and vesicourethrovaginal fistulas

We herein report on 15 patients with giant vesicovaginal (7) and vesicourethrovaginal (8) fistulas repaired since July 1979. All fistulas were repaired by a suprapubic approach with or without a concomitant vaginal approach. All 7 patients with giant vesicovaginal fistulas underwent a standard racket incision of the bladder with excision of the fistula, closure of the vagina and bladder, and an omental interposition, and were cured. Four patients with giant vesicourethrovaginal fistulas had a similar successful closure but only 2 were cured of the incontinence, while 2 remained totally incontinent owing to failure of the bladder outlet sphincteric mechanism. The latter 2 patients were managed by a Tanagho bladder flap urethral reconstruction: 1 remained totally incontinent and finally underwent diversion, while 1 was improved but not cured totally. Four patients were managed by repair of the fistula simultaneously with a Tanagho bladder flap: 2 had no previous abdominal repairs and both achieved continence postoperatively, while 2 had numerous attempts at repair (including abdominal approaches) before referral and only 1 was cured. Giant vesicovaginal fistulas can be repaired successfully in almost all patients. Although vesicourethrovaginal fistulas can be closed as readily there is a high likelihood of sphincteric inadequacy in patients with extensive urethral involvement. A bladder flap urethral reconstruction is valuable in these patients, particularly in the absence of prior suprapubic procedures.     

膀胱阴道瘘并发输尿管阴道瘘诊治研究(附11例报告)

目的:探讨膀胱阴道瘘并发输尿管阴道瘘的临床特点及诊治方法.方法:回顾性分析我院11例膀胱阴道瘘并发输尿管阴道瘘患者的临床资料.结果:11例患者均获得正确诊断及手术治疗,随访6个月～5年,尿瘘无复发,输尿管无狭窄.结论:对女性尿瘘患者,应重视膀胱阴道瘘并发输尿管阴道瘘的诊断,选择恰当的手术方式,治疗效果良好.     

Urovaginal fistulas: Experience with the management of 41 cases

In a retrospective analysis the authors have evaluated their experience with the management of urovaginal fistulas in 41 patients. Of them 34 had vesicovaginal, 3 ureterovaginal, 2 urethrovaginal, 1 ureterovesicovaginal and 1 ileovasicorectovaginal fistula. Fistulas occurred most frequently after gynaecological operations for benign and malignant diseases and after radiotherapy. Reconstructive operations were performed in 37 patients, mostly from the vaginal approach. Primary repair of fistulas was successful in 35 patients. In 2 patients reoperation was required. Due to good experience the authors recommend the transvaginal approach, which in their opinion is suitable for repair of the prevailing part of vesicovaginal fistulas.     

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。     

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。     

Ureterovaginal fistula: a case series

Introduction and hypothesis

We describe the presentation, diagnosis, and management of ureterovaginal fistula over a 7-year period at a tertiary care center.

Methods

A retrospective review of ureterovaginal fistula cases between 2003 and 2011 was performed. Demographic information, antecedent event, symptoms, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies were reviewed.

Results

Nineteen ureterovaginal fistulas were identified during the 7-year study period. One fistula followed a repeat cesarean section and 18 fistulas followed a hysterectomy (9 total abdominal, 6 total laparoscopic, 3 vaginal hysterectomies). Ureteral injuries were not recognized in any of the patients at the time of index surgery. Computed tomography (CT) urography was the most commonly utilized diagnostic modality (58 %). Primary non-surgical management with ureteral stents was attempted and successful in 5 out of 7 cases (71 %). There were 14 total surgical repairs, including 2 cases in which stents were successfully placed, but the fistula persisted, and 6 additional cases where attempted stent placement failed. Surgical repair consisted of 10 ureteroneocystostomies performed via laparotomy and 4 performed laparoscopically, 3 of which were robotically assisted.

Conclusions

Despite being uncommon, ureterovaginal fistula should remain in the differential diagnosis of new post-operative urinary incontinence after gynecological surgery. Conservative management with ureteral stent appears to be the best initial approach in selected patients, with a success rate of 71 %. Minimally invasive approaches to performing ureteroneocystostomy have high success rates, comparable to those of open surgical repair.     

Urogenital fistulae: changing trends and personal experience of 46 cases

A retrospective study of 46 patients with different types of urogenital fistulae treated by the author during the period from January 1997 to December 2006 is presented. Twenty-two (48%) cases had a vesicovaginal fistula of which 16 (73%) were repaired vaginally and 6 (27%) were repaired abdominally. The remaining fistulae were as follows: 14 (30%) unilateral ureterovaginal fistulae, 6 (13%) ureterovesicovaginal fistulae (one bilateral), and 4 (9%) vesicouterine fistulae. All were repaired abdominally except for one patient with ureterovesicovaginal fistula needing continent urinary diversion using Mainz type II pouch. All fistulae were iatrogenic except one case (2%) which was due to neglected obstructed labor. The iatrogenic causes were gynecologically related in 26 (57%) patients and obstetrically related in 19 (41%) cases. There were two (9%) failed repairs in the vesicovaginal cases, one in each group, and both were salvaged by a secondary surgery. In view of this selected retrospective study and in association with other reports, it seems that with the improvement in the basic health-care services in Egypt, there is a change in the etiology of urogenital fistulae with the vast majority being physician related and no more related to neglected obstructed labor. Such shortcoming should be addressed in the current gynecological surgery training and residency programs.     

Vesicovaginal fistula

Urinary fistula to the vagina has been described since the beginning of the written record. In developed nations, these fistulas are usually unfortunate complications of gynecologic or other pelvic surgery and radiotherapy. Historically, birth trauma accounted for most vesicovaginal fistulas, and it remains the major cause of urinary fistulas in many underdeveloped nations. Once a vesicovaginal fistula is suspected, a thorough vaginal examination should be performed to identify its size and location, especially in relation to the trigone and eliminate a ureterovaginal fistula which can be associated in up to 10% of cases. Numerous methods for the treatment of vesicovaginal fistulae have been described. Abdominal, and vaginal approaches are used for the repair of vesicovaginal fistulae. The approach selected is dependent on many factors, but is probably best determined by the experience and training of the surgeon. The techniques of the vaginal approach involve tension-free closure of the fistula with or without excision of the tract, creation of an anterior vaginal wall flap and appropriate use of vascularized interposition grafts. The abdominal approach may be used to treat all types of vesicovaginal fistulae and is the preferred approach when concomittant ureteral reimplantation is required. Postoperative care is similar for both vaginal and abdominal vesicovaginal fistula repair. Adequate uninterrupted bladder drainage is the most critical aspect of postoperative management. A voiding cystourethrogram is performed at 10 postoperative days to confirm closure of the fistula.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

女性尿瘘的治疗体会(附13例报告)

目的　探讨女性尿瘘的诊治,对巨大复杂的膀胱尿道阴道瘘的手术修补法进行探讨。方法　经阴道修补膀胱阴道瘘4例, 尿道阴道瘘3例,膀胱尿道阴道瘘2例,经腹阴道联合途径修补复杂性女性尿瘘4例,其中输尿管阴道瘘1例。结果　一次性修 复痊愈率(甲级)达84.6%、有效率(乙级)达92.3%。结论　术前仔细检查及评估手术方案是缩短手术时间、减少术中创伤的重 要环节,精细的外科手术技巧是确保手术成功的关键,经腹阴道联合手术途径修补术是治疗巨大复杂女性尿瘘的有效方法。     

经腹腹腔镜治疗妇科术后膀胱阴道瘘的初步体会

目的总结经腹途径腹腔镜在膀胱阴道瘘修补中的可行性及疗效。方法2012年12月至2017年12月暨南大学附属第一医院因子宫全切除(n=6,均为开放手术)或宫颈癌根治术后(n=1)致膀胱阴道瘘患者共7例,年龄42~57岁,所有瘘口均位于输尿管嵴以上,瘘口直径0.5~3.5 cm,尿瘘病史3个月~5年余,其中2例既往有1~2次经膀胱修补失败病史。采用经腹腹腔镜下膀胱阴道瘘修补术,直视下放置操作通道,其中5例瘘口较大或复发性膀胱阴道瘘采用大网膜填充膀胱与阴道之间的间隙。术后留置尿管2~3周。结果7例患者手术均顺利完成,手术时间150~280 min,出血量50~150 ml,无输血,术后拔除尿管后尿瘘消失。随访6~54个月未出现尿瘘。结论经腹腹腔镜修补高位膀胱阴道瘘微创、有效,尤其是复发性病例,但尚需更多临床资料论证。     

The Martius flap in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistulas. Report of 20 cases]

The authors report a series of 20 cases of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) treated according to the Martius procedure. The mean age of the patients was 30 years (range: 20 to 37 years). All fistulas were secondary to obstetric trauma. The mean diameter of the fistula orifice was 4 cm. Fourteen fistulas were cervico-trigonal and 6 were urethro-cervico-trigonal. A rectovaginal fistula was associated with VVF in 2 patients. Five of the 20 patients had never been previously operated, while 15 patients had already been operated without success. Fifteen patients were cured immediately, while a second Martius procedure was necessary in 3 cases. Failure was considered to be definitive in 2 cases.     

Bulbocavernosus muscle flap in the repair of complicated vesicovaginal fistula

AIM: To investigate the transposition of the bulbocavernosus muscle flap for repairing complicated vesicovaginal fistulas. METHODS: Vesicovaginal fistulas were repaired via combined abdominal and perineal approaches. Through an abdominal approach, the fistula and surrounding scar tissue were excised thoroughly. A perineal incision was made between the orifices of the urethra and the vagina, dissecting until the fistula. The vaginal defect was closed through either the abdominal or the perineal approach depending upon its position. Through the abdominal approach, the bladder defect was closed in two layers with the suture lines vertical to each other. The bulbocavernosus muscle was freed through an incision between the labium majus pudendi and the labium minus pudenda, without damaging the pudendal vascular supply. The bulbocavernosus muscle flap was tunneled beneath the labium minus pudendi, and was sutured in place on the bladder wall over the fistula repair site. RESULTS: Nine patients with complicated vesicovaginal fistulas were treated using this technique. After surgery, no symptoms of vagina leakage, urinary incontinence, or urethral stricture were reported by any of the patients, and they reported normal sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of the bulbocavernosus muscle flap is an excellent technique with low morbidity and high success rate for repairing complicated vesicovaginal fistulas.     

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.