Rectourinary fistula repair using the Latzko technique

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the Latzko technique for rectourinary fistula repair after radical retropubic prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 7 fistula repairs in 6 patients. The 1-stage procedure was based on a technique for vesicovaginal fistula closure with denudation of the rectal mucosa and multilayer closure of the fistulous tract. RESULTS: Closure was successful in all patients, although 1 had to undergo the procedure twice. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Latzko procedure is effective for rectourinary fistula repair and associated with minimal morbidity.     

Transvaginal repair of ureterovaginal fistula by Latzko technique

Ureterovaginal fistula is an uncommon but serious sequela of unrecognized distal ureteral injury during pelvic operations. Traditionally, it is managed either by endoscopic internal ureteral stenting or by ureteral reimplantation. We report a case of ureterovaginal fistula that failed to respond to ureteral stenting. Because the patient had a history of several laparotomies and intra-abdominal abscesses, she was at high risk for complications with a transabdominal operation. Therefore, we used transvaginal Latzko partial colpocleisis and successfully resolved the ureterovaginal fistula.     

Transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique with a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap

Introduction and hypothesis

Urethrovaginal fistula is a rare disorder that may occur following sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence, excision of a urethral diverticulum, anterior vaginal wall repair, radiation therapy, and prolonged indwelling urethral catheter. The most common clinical manifestation is continuous urinary leakage through the vagina, aggravated by an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure. Appropriate management, including timing of the surgical intervention and the preferred technique, remains controversial.

Methods

This video presentation describes the transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique and a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap.

Results

The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. At her follow-up visit 2 months later, she was free of urinary leakage, and a pelvic examination revealed excellent healing, with complete closure of the fistula.

Conclusions

Transvaginal repair using the Latzko technique with a vascular bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap is an effective and safe mode of treatment.

     

Vaginal flap re-enforcement of vesico-vaginal fistula repair

Introduction and hypothesis  

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a distressing urologic disorder. We describe a new technique that adds a third layer of closure during vaginal repair of VVF.     

Robotic vesico-vaginal fistula repair with no omental flap interposition

Introduction and hypothesis

A vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a fistulous tract that connects bladder and vagina, causing urine leakage via the vagina. In the developed world, iatrogenic postoperative VVF is the most common case. Classically, when treating a VVF via the abdominal route, an abdominal flap is mobilized and interposed between the bladder and the vagina.

Methods

In our video, we describe a robotic VVF repair technique with no omental flap interpositioning for a vaginal vault-located fistula.

Results

Duration of surgery was 95 min, estimated blood loss was <50 ml. The postoperative course was uneventful. At the 6-month follow-up, which included clinical and cystographic examinations, the patient had not experienced any recurrence.

Conclusion

In our opinion, a two-layered suturing technique using two semi-continuous sutures for vaginal closure and perpendicular interrupted stitches for bladder closure does not require omental flap mobilization, reducing operating time and possible complications related to accidental peritoneal injuries.

     

Endorectal advancement flap with muscular plication: a modified technique for rectovaginal fistula repair

Aim Endorectal advancement flap is the most used treatment for acquired rectovaginal fistula but is liable to failure. We describe our experience with a modified technique. Method Patients were included who had an acquired rectovaginal fistula. Exclusions included patients with Crohn’s disease with proctitis, malignant or radiation‐related fistula, stricture of the anorectum or those with an external sphincter defect. Surgery included closure of the internal opening with a figure‐of‐eight reabsorbable suture, plication of the anorectal muscular layer and mucosal flap advancement. Total parenteral nutrition was administered postoperatively for seven days. Results Between March 2003 and July 2008, 23 consecutive women (mean age 45.5 [28–78] years) were treated. The cause of fistulation included obstetric injury (n = 5), cryptoglandular disease (n = 11) and Crohn’s disease (n = 7). Thirteen (57%) patients had a previous failed repair. At a mean follow‐up of 14 (2–67) months, success was achieved in 65% (15/23) of patients. The mean Wexner incontinence scores pre‐ and postoperatively were 1.3 (0–15) and 0.6 (0–6), respectively. Conclusion The success rate was promising with no deterioration of anal continence.     

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。     

Spontaneous ventral urethral fistula in a young healty man and a modified surgical technique of urethral fistula repair

Urethral fistula is rare and is usually a complication of penile and urethral surgery. A few congenital cases have been reported. Also, one acquired spontaneous case in a diabetic man has been reported. We present the first case in the literature of a healthy man with a spontaneous ventral urethral fistula, with unknown etiology. We performed a modified technique of urethral fistula repair (four-layer technique).     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Nondelayed transvaginal repair of high lying vesicovaginal fistula

The management of vesicovaginal fistula still remains controversial in regard to the timing of repair and type of approach. A total of 16 patients underwent transvaginal repair of simple nonradiated vesicovaginal fistulas. In 7 patients the repairs were less than 3 months after the injury, while in 9 the delay was greater than 3 months. A total of 14 patients had high lying lesions (fistulas above the trigone) and 2 had low lying lesions (fistulas below the trigone). Of the 16 patients 15 (94%) stopped leaking after a transvaginal repair. All 7 patients with high lying lesions who underwent operative repair less than 3 months after injury were dry. We advocate early nondelayed repair of high and low lying simple nonradiated vesicovaginal fistulas using the transvaginal approach. The customary waiting period of 3 to 6 months before repair may not be warranted.     

Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia for vesico-vaginal fistula repair in an achondroplastic dwarf

A 33-year-old achondroplastic female was scheduled to undergo vesico-vaginal fistula repair by the abdominoperineal route. Preoperative examination suggested a difficult airway so a combined spinal epidural technique was used. Subarachnoid block (sensory loss to T6) was established using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 1 ml. Anaesthesia was prolonged with incremental doses of epidural bupivacaine 0.5% (total 10 ml) and postoperative analgesia was provided with epidural morphine boluses.     

A case of gas gangrene in a vesico-vaginal fistula

A case of gas gangrene is presented. The patient was a 78-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of vesico-vaginal fistula. Cystography revealed a vesico-intestinal fistula and leakage of contrast medium into the prevesical space, in addition to the vesico-vaginal fistula. Right ureterostomy was performed. Two weeks postoperatively, she complained of severe pain and swelling of her right thigh. The swelling grew rapidly and general condition became worse. A diagnosis of gas gangrene was made 8 days after her first complaint by demonstrating subcutaneous and intramuscular gas formation in X-ray. She died the next day. By the bacteriological examination, this case was non-clostridial gas gangrene.