Immediate Laparoscopic Nontransvesical Repair without Omental Interposition for Vesicovaginal Fistula Developing after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Background and Objective:

We conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of immediate laparoscopic nontransvesical repair without omental interposition for vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) developing after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), which causes not only social and economic misery for the patient but also considerable stress to the physicians who perform the surgery.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of 5 women who underwent immediate laparoscopic nontransvesical repair without omental interposition for VVFs, developing after TAH from October 2007 to March 2009. In terms of laparoscopic procedure, cystoscopy was performed to confirm the location of fistula and ureteral openings, initially. Without opening the bladder, the fistula tract was identified, and the bladder was dissected from the vagina. The bladder defect was closed by using intracorporeal, continuous, and double-layer suturing, laparoscopically. The vaginal defect was closed using interrupted and single-layer suturing, vaginally. A Foley catheter was inserted for 2 weeks and removed after bladder integrity was confirmed with a retrograde cystogram.

Results:

The median age and body mass index of the patients were 47 years and 22.3 kg/m², respectively. Operating time, hemoglobin change, and hospital stay were 95 minutes, 1.1 g/dL, and 5 days, respectively. There were no complications or laparoconversions. During follow-up (median 56.1 weeks; range 26.6 to 74.0), there was no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions:

Immediate laparoscopic nontransvesical repair without omental interposition might be an effective, feasible alternative to the traditional methods in select patients with small sized (<1 cm) VVF developing after TAH.     

Functional outcomes of primary and secondary repairs of vesicovaginal fistulae via vaginal cuff scar excision

Hospital and office charts of patients who underwent vaginal cuff scar excision for vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair from February 1998 to December 2002 at our institution were reviewed. Preoperative demographics and fistula characteristics were gathered. Intraoperative data included use of tissue flaps, blood loss, OR time and anesthetic type. Postoperative review included time to discharge, successful repair and postoperative urinary or sexual dysfunction. Forty fistula repairs were identified. Ninety-three percent occurred after a hysterectomy and no subjects had a history of radiation. Forty-two percent had failed at least one surgical repair of their fistula and 12% had failed two or more attempted repairs. Twenty percent of the fistulae measured 1 cm or more in diameter and the remaining 80% were 5 mm or less. Peritoneal flaps and martius flaps were performed in 32% and 5%, respectively. Postoperatively, 100% of subjects were evaluated at 3 weeks when the suprapubic catheter was removed and 93% were evaluated at 3 months or later. All subjects were cured of their fistulae at last contact. At 3 months postoperatively, 94% percent denied any urinary dysfunction and 85% had resumed sexual intercourse. Two sexually active subjects reported mild deep dyspareunia. Transvaginal cuff scar excision is an effective method for the primary and secondary repair of vesicovaginal fistulae and does not appear to cause postoperative irritative voiding symptoms or dyspareunia.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Army, Department of Defense or the United States governmentThis article was presented at the 24th annual meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society, September 11–13, 2003. Hollywood, FL, USA Editorial Comment: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a most distressing problem for both the patient and surgeon alike. The most expeditious, safest, and least morbid repair with the greatest likelihood of success should be employed. These authors have previously described this approach for VVF repair and, now, in this article have published on functional outcomes. There is very little in the literature on long-term functional outcomes following VVF repair and therefore this represents an important contribution. Although the use of anonymous, complete validated questionnaires as an outcome measure would have been ideal, especially as regards urinary and sexual function, these authors report that functional outcomes following vaginal cuff excision repair of VVF are satisfactory. It is important to remember that the vast majority of patients presenting with VVF were healthy, presumably without significant urinary or sexual dysfunction, and underwent an elective surgery which created the problem. This paper suggests that these patients can be restored to a satisfactory level of urinary and sexual function following repair.     

The use of human dura mater as an interposition graft in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula

Purpose: In this prospective study we aimed to describe our new technique; dehydrated human dura mater as an interposition graft in patients undergoing benign vesicovaginal fistula repair (VVF). Patients and methods: Eleven patients with benign VVFs aged 38–73 years were operated with dura mater interposition technique at our institution between July 1996 and February 2002. In all patients fistula were secondary to abdominal hysterectomies with benign diseases and two had undergone previous transvaginal surgery. Patients were operated 8–15 (mean 12) weeks after previous surgery. A suprapubic cystotomy was performed and the fistula was not excised. The bladder wall is widely dissected from underlying vagina. Dura-mater was placed over the vaginal suture line to close the fistulous tract, cytostomy was inserted and the bladder was closed. An 18 F Foley catheter was left in the bladder for 5 days. A successful repair is defined as no leakage by cystogram at 14 days postoperatively and completely dry by patient report. Results: An overall success rate of 100% was achieved in all patients. All patients remain dry at the follow – up which ranges from 7 to 60 (mean 26) mounts. Patients were discharged at 14 to 26 (mean 16) days postoperatively. No major complications or side effects were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The use of human dura mater as an interposition graft in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula is an alternative for VVF repairs because of its excellent tissue compability, stability, good elasticity and absorbability. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Surgical repair of a vesicovaginal fistula guided by a black braided silk suture line

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the identification of the margins of a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) during its repair by passing a black braided silk suture line through the fistula. During the repair of a VVF, a suture line was placed through the fistula. By passing the suture line from the vagina through the fistula tract into the bladder and hence to the outside through the urethral meatus, the circumference of the VVF opening can be easily identified after dissection and excision of the vaginal wall around the fistula opening. There were four VVF patients who underwent a modified Latzko procedure using the thread to guide surgical repair. The operation times and blood loss were 45–90 min and no more than 50 ml, respectively. This trick provides adequate identification of the fistula tract, thus permitting safe and easy fistula repair for a narrow, deep, or atrophic vagina.     

Interposition flaps in transabdominal vesicovaginal fistula repairs: are they really necessary?

Objectives. To evaluate the use of interposition flaps in repairing vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) of benign and malignant etiologies. Interposition flaps are not routinely used in the repair of VVFs when the surrounding tissues appear healthy and well-vascularized, such as in a benign etiology.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 37 women (mean age 49.1 years) at our institution who underwent transabdominal repair of their VVF by urologic surgeons between August 1978 and June 1999. The preoperative and postoperative medical records were reviewed.Results. Of the 37 VVFs repaired transabdominally, 29 had a benign etiology (25 related to gynecologic procedures) and 8 a malignant etiology (all related to gynecologic neoplasia). Of the 29 benign VVFs, an interposition flap was used in 10 repairs with all 10 successful (100%). The remaining 19 benign VVF repairs were performed without using a flap, with 12 successful (63%). Of the 8 malignant fistulas, an interposition flap was used in 2 repairs with both successful (100%). The remaining 6 malignant VVF repairs were performed without a flap, with 4 successful (67%).Conclusions. The results of our study indicate a higher success rate for transabdominal VVF repairs performed with an interposition flap (100% success rate at our institution). This observation holds true regardless of the appearance of healthy surrounding tissue or, more importantly, a benign or malignant etiology. We recommend interposition flaps in transabdominal repairs of VVFs, even in the cases of benign fistulas with well-preserved surrounding tissue.     

Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula

PURPOSE: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is one of the most devastating surgical complications that can occur in women. The primary cause remains an abdominal hysterectomy. Approach to this condition can be transvaginal or transabdominal. Laparoscopic repair of VVF may be an alternative approach to this treating rare condition. We present seven cases of VVF treated with transperitoneal laparoscopic technique and our results. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 7 women ranging from 37 to 74 years in age (mean age 52.8 years) at our institution who underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal repair of VVF between February 2004 and March 2006. Etiology of the VVF, surgical technique, operative time, length of hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: Six of the seven VVFs we repaired laparoscopically resulted from gynecologic procedures, and one patient presented with a VVF after a ureterolithotripsy. Mean operative time ranged from 130 to 420 minutes (mean 280 minutes), and mean hospital stay was 7 days. In one patient conversion to open surgery was necessary due to prolonged operative time. Two complications occurred: a urinary tract infection in one patient and an inferior limb compartment syndrome in another. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal laparoscopic repair of VVF is feasible and safe and provides excellent results. It is a good alternative to the abdominal approach. However, advanced laparoscopic skills are mandatory.     

膀胱粘膜肌瓣局部转移修复手术失败的膀胱阴道瘘

目的探讨膀胱枯膜肌瓣修复经多次手术治疗失败的膀胱阴道瘘的有效性和安全性。方法5例膀胱阴道瘘患者,平均年龄42．2（27～54）岁,其中,产伤3例,妇科手术1例,外伤1例,均经2～8次手术修复失败,包括经阴道修补14例次,经腹5例次。5例均为单个瘘口,直径1．8～3．8cm。均经膀胱采用膀胱粘膜肌瓣修复膀胱阴道瘘。结果均一次修复成功,随访22～78个月,均排尿通畅,无术后漏尿和其它并发症。结论运用膀胱粘膜肌瓣修复多次手术失败的复杂性膀胱阴道瘘成功率高,值得推广。     

The use of human dura mater as an interposition graft in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula

PURPOSE: In this prospective study we aimed to describe our new technique; dehydrated human dura mater as an interposition graft in patients undergoing benign vesicovaginal fistula repair (VVF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with benign VVFs aged 38-73 years were operated with dura mater interposition technique at our institution between July 1996 and February 2002. In all patients fistula were secondary to abdominal hysterectomies with benign diseases and two had undergone previous transvaginal surgery. Patients were operated 8-15 (mean 12) weeks after previous surgery. A suprapubic cystotomy was performed and the fistula was not excised. The bladder wall is widely dissected from underlying vagina. Dura-mater was placed over the vaginal suture line to close the fistulous tract, cytostomy was inserted and the bladder was closed. An 18 F Foley catheter was left in the bladder for 5 days. A successful repair is defined as no leakage by cystogram at 14 days postoperatively and completely dry by patient report. RESULTS: An overall success rate of 100% was achieved in all patients. All patients remain dry at the follow-up which ranges from 7 to 60 (mean 26) mounts. Patients were discharged at 14 to 26 (mean 16) days postoperatively. No major complications or side effects were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of human dura mater as an interposition graft in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula is an alternative for VVF repairs because of its excellent tissue compability, stability, good elasticity and absorbability.     

Latzko repair for vesicovaginal fistula revisited in the era of minimal-access surgery

Latzko repair is a technique described for repair of post-hysterectomy supratrigonal vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) and is often practised by gynecologists, but it has not figured in the armamentarium of urologists the world over. Recently urologists have taken to laparoscopic repair of such fistula but laparoscopic repair is technically demanding with a steep learning curve. We reviewed our experience with the technique of Latzko repair. The study is a review of 10 patients operated by this technique between June 2000 and May 2005, with age ranging from 33 to 55 years (average 39 years). Fistula size ranged from 2 mm to 1 cm. There was no recurrence or sexual dysfunction due to shortening of vaginal length. The results were comparable with laparoscopic VVF repair in terms of morbidity, operative time, blood loss, and patient discomfort. Also, the learning curve involved is minimal. Thus this technique deserves wider adoption by the urological community and should be a benchmark for comparison with laparoscopic repair of VVF rather than the abdominal approach. Bearing in mind the simplicity of the procedure, urologists should feel encouraged to adopt this excellent age-old technique that has stood the test of time rather than exploring more-complex operations such as laparoscopic VVF repair and transurethral suture cystorrhaphy.     

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。     

Vesicovaginal fistula resulting from a well-cared-for pessary

An 84-year-old vaginally grand multiparous woman presented with a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) after appropriate use of a Gehrung pessary for the past 12 years for stage III pelvic organ prolapse. The patient reported strict adherence to removing her pessary nightly and replacing it in the morning for the last 12 years. One morning, she awoke and noted a sudden gush of urine through the vagina followed by continuous leakage. Given the complex nature of VVF repair with concurrent stage III pelvic organ prolapse, the patient was referred to urogynecologic care. A Latzko fistula repair and LeFort colpocleisis were performed without complication. The patient recovered well with complete resolution of her pelvic organ prolapse and VVF based on negative cystogram findings at 3 weeks postoperatively. At 12 weeks postoperatively the patient denied any urine leakage or pelvic organ prolapse.     

Nail penetrating trauma: a rare cause of vesicovaginal fistula

Vesicovaginal fistula （VVF） may be caused by prolonged obstructed labor, gynecologic, urologic, or other pelvic surgery, malignancy, radiation, infection and trauma. Here we report a case of VVF caused by nail penetrating trauma in a young woman with genital bleeding after first intercourse. This is a rare etiology of VVF. We also explain the operative technique used to repair the fistula.     

Corrosive-induced vesicovaginal fistula with procidentia: a rare occurrence

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) has huge physical, psychological and, above all, social implications in a woman’s life. It has always been a challenge for the urogynaecologic surgeons to manage VVF. VVF can be caused by unrelieved obstructed labour, pelvic surgery, malignancies, radiation therapy, infection and trauma. Here we report a case of VVF caused by the application of a mixture of chemicals in a female with longstanding pelvic organ prolapse. This occurrence is unique by virtue of aetiology and to the best of our knowledge is only the second of its kind reported till date. We have also explained the operative technique used to combine both the prolapse and the fistula repair into a single operation that achieved excellent functional results.     

Postirradiation Vesicovaginal Fistula Completely Resolved with Conservative Treatment

Postirradiation vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) pose a great challenge for the urologist. The poorly vascularized radiated tissue surrounding the fistula impairs healing and makes operative repair technically demanding. Conservative treatment for postirradiation VVF is considered inappropriate, and to our knowledge has never previously been described. We present a case of a woman with postirradiation VVF that was resolved after transurethral coagulation and 3 weeks of catheterization.     

Sexual intercourse: an unusual cause of vesicovaginal fistula

Voluntary sexual intercourse in an adult woman with normal vagina is not a known cause of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), though sexual abuse or sexual intercourse with young girls before reaching physical maturity can result in VVF. Postcoital VVF in an adult woman without these predisposing factors is very infrequent. A nulliparous woman who had VVF after first intercourse is presented, as it is unusual by virtue of etiology.     

Pregnancy in an untreated case of transverse vaginal septum with vesicovaginal fistula

An 18-year-old woman presented with history of cyclic hematuria, abdominal pain, and a mass in the hypogastrium. She was found to have transverse vaginal septum in the lower one-third of her vagina with congenital vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and a dead fetus of approximately 20 weeks gestation. She underwent vaginotomy and removal of the dead fetus. Vaginal repair of VVF was carried out 3 months later.     

Coil embolization of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula: a case report

BACKGROUND: Vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VVFs) are not uncommon, but they usually present with benign symptoms such as neck murmur. We report a case of VVF presenting with myelopathy which was successfully treated by embolization with detachable coils. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old woman was admitted with complaint of bilateral leg weakness. Cervical magnetic resonance image showed compression of the spinal cord by a large vascular lesion. Right vertebral angiogram showed a vertebro-vertebral fistula draining into ectatic epidural veins. From a transfemoral arterial approach, the fistula site was selected with a microcatheter, and embolization was performed by placement of several Guglielmi detachable coils until flow arrest was obtained. The patient made a full recovery, and long-term angiographic follow-up demonstrated complete cure. CONCLUSION: We present a case of VVF treated using detachable coils with good long-term results.     

Robotic repair of a vesicovaginal fistula in an irradiated field using a dehydrated amniotic allograft as an interposition patch

We report the case of a 66 year old female with a supratrigonal vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) that developed after undergoing radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and pelvic radiation therapy for advanced cervical cancer. VVF repairs in an irradiated field are known to be complicated procedures with significant morbidity and a high rate of failure due to the effect of radiation. Amniotic membranes have been demonstrated to improve healing rates in difficult to heal wounds. To decrease morbidity a minimally invasive robotic procedure was performed and a dehydrated amniotic allograft patch was used to augment tissue healing. The VVF was repaired using the da Vinci Surgical System and the amniotic membrane was used as an interposition patch over the repair. There were no operative or postoperative complications and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day one. A cystogram performed 3 weeks postoperatively demonstrated a healed fistula. Follow-up at 5 months revealed no incontinence. This is the first reported case of a robotic VVF repair performed in an irradiated pelvis and the first use of an amniotic membrane allograft in the repair a VVF.     

Acute renal failure caused by complete bladder eversion through a vesicovaginal fistula

We report a rare case of bladder eversion through a vesicovaginal fistula. The bladder prolapse was almost complete, resulting in ureteral kinking, bilateral hydronephrosis and acute renal failure. After reduction of the bladder eversion, bilateral ureteral stent placement, fistula repair using the Latzko technique and colpocleisis, the patient had rapid resolution of her renal compromise.Abbreviations VVF Vesicovaginal fistula     

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

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