Primary vaginal calculus secondary to urethrovaginal fistula with imperforate hymen in a 6-year-old girl

Primary vaginal stones are extremely rare in children and may be mistaken for bladder calculi on plain radiography. We present a case of a large vaginal calculus in a 6-year-old girl who had an imperforate hymen and urethrovaginal fistula. Hymenotomy and urethrovaginal fistula repair were performed, and the vaginal stone was extracted. It was postulated that the vaginal calculus originated from stasis of urine through the urethrovaginal fistula in the obstructed vagina. This is a unique case of a vaginal calculus with a congenital urethrovaginal fistula associated with an imperforate hymen.     

Recurrent posttraumatic urethrovaginal fistula: a new application for ASTRA

The authors describe the results of an application of the surgical technique called ASTRA (anterior sagittal transrectal approach) in the case of a 16-year-old girl with a posttraumatic urethrovaginal fistula. The young girl with a posttraumatic urethrovaginal fistula had recurrence after 4 surgical attempts at closure performed by the vaginal approach before it was definitively corrected with the ASTRA. Two years after the ASTRA operation the patient is well with a complete restitution of function confirmed by a voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamic and rectal manometric tests. The successful recovery confirmed that ASTRA may be an excellent method of treating the developmental or acquired anomalies of the perineal region.     

Urethrovaginal fistula—a rare complication after the placement of a suburethral sling (IVS)

A sixty-year-old woman with stress urinary incontinence had undergone a placement of an IVS (Tyco Health Care UK) in another hospital in February 2003. Seventeen months after the procedure, she complained about a suppurative discharge from the vagina and a recurrent severe stress urinary incontinence. The gynecological examination revealed an erosion of the sling into the vagina and a large urethrovaginal fistula bordered by granuloma. After removal of the sling, the urethrovaginal fistula was closed using a vaginal flap. A subsequent conservative treatment regime with duloxetine and pelvic floor training improved the stress urinary incontinence to the patient’s satisfaction.     

Primary vaginal calculus in a middle-aged woman with mental and physical disabilities

Vaginal calculi are rarely encountered and are often misdiagnosed as bladder calculi because of the difficulty in achieving an appropriate diagnosis. Most vaginal calculi result from the presence of a urethrovaginal fistula; those occurring in the absence of such fistulas are extremely rare. We present a case of a 42-year-old bedridden woman with mental and physical disabilities who had been misdiagnosed for a decade as having a bladder calculus. We removed the calculus nonsurgically and the analyzed the components. Results demonstrated the presence of a primary vaginal calculus. Vaginal calculi may occasionally occur in disabled women, but further investigation of the etiology of such calculi is required.     

Giant primary vaginal calculus secondary to vesicovaginal fistula with partial vaginal outlet obstruction in a 12-year-old girl

A vesicovaginal fistula with vagina obstruction associated with vaginal calculi is an extremely rare medical condition. We report a giant primary vaginal calculus resulting from vesicovaginal fistula with partial vaginal outlet obstruction secondary to perineum trauma and surgery in a 12-year-old girl. Episiotomy was performed and the adhesive labia minora was split. After the removal of a giant calculus in the vagina, approximately 8 cm in diameter, the fistula tract was completely excised, followed by the repair of the vesicovagina fistula and the vagina. The patient was symptom-free at 6-month follow-up examination.     

Treatment of refractory urethrovaginal fistula using rectus abdominis muscle flap in a six-year-old girl

Urethrovaginal fistula usually occurs after urethrovaginal injury, resulting in urinary incontinence. Several modalities to treat urethrovaginal fistula have been reported. We describe a treatment in which we used a rectus abdominis muscle flap in a 6-year-old girl with refractory urethrovaginal fistula.     

Our experience with salvage genitourinary fistulae repair: technique and outcomes

Objectives The objectives are to present the long-term results of vaginal reconstructive operations using the labial fat pad flap (Martius flap) interposition. Patients and methods Eight women, 27–65 years old (mean 40), suffering from urinary fistulae (five urethrovaginal and three vesicovaginal) who failed primary repair underwent salvage vaginal reconstruction for damaged urethra or bladder. Urethral or bladder and vaginal defect was closed and a Martius fat flap was interposed between urethra or bladder and vaginal wall flap to secure a watertight separation of the structures. A Martius flap was also used successfully for salvage vaginal reconstruction in three more women, two with extensive injury of their urethra and bladder neck and one with vaginal leakage, after a rectosigmoid neobladder diversion following cystectomy. Results The repair was successful in all eight patients with urinary fistulae and in the one with rectovaginal leakage. The patient with the traumatically injured urethra and bladder neck developed an anastomotic stricture treated with urethral dilatations and internal urethrotomy. The older one developed a vesicovaginal fistula due to bladder neck closure, and this was repaired with a second transvaginal closure. Conclusion Martius labial fat flap is an easy to prepare, well-vascularized tissue that can be most helpful in achieving a long-lasting favorable outcome in vaginal reconstructive surgery.     

Two cases of urethrovaginal fistula repaired by Martius labial-rotation flap

Urethrovaginal fistulas are rare. In case 1, a 48-year-old woman had undergone transvaginal drainage for an paraurethral abscess. In case 2, a 33-year-old woman had undergone resection of vaginal varicocele with massive bleeding during pregnancy. Postoperatively both patients complained of total incontinence. Urethroscopy and urethrography revealed an urethrovaginal fistula in each case. Repair ofurethrovaginal fistula using Martius labial-rotation flap was performed and the fistula was closed in both cases. We concluded that repair of urethrovaginal fistula using Martius labial-rotation flap may be useful for patients with urethrovaginal fistula.     

Results and Complications of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) for Surgical Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Thirty-one patients with stress urinary incontinence were operated on using tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). All were evaluated preoperatively with urodynamics, pad test and stress test. Conservative treatment was without significant effect. Three months after the operation no patients had stress incontinence but 1 with mixed incontinence experienced deterioration of her urge incontinence and 2 experienced de novo urge incontinence. The de novo urge incontinence was significantly improved and the urodynamic investigation normal after approximately 5 months. One patient with a previous operation with Kelly sutures under the urethra developed a urethrovaginal fistula. Fifteen patients were observed for 1 year. One patient who was continent after 3 months developed slight stress incontinence.     

Short and long-term results of the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula by the vaginal approach (author's transl)

Gynecologists prefer the vaginal route for closure of vesicovaginal fistulae. Urologists, however, have some doubts as to the long-term results as far as proper function is concerned. The purpose of this investigation was to discover the limits of the vaginal fistula operations with reference to patients at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Erlangen-Nürnberg. From 1962 to 1976, 40 women with vesicovaginal, urethrovaginal and vesicocervicovaginal fistulae were treated. Forty-five operations were necessary. In one patient, surgery in two sessions was planned from the beginning. Besides 4 obstetric fistulae, gynecological operations were the original cause of the fistulae in 34 cases. Two women had actinic fistulae (overdosage of intracavitary radium application). Attempts to close the fistulae here failed utterly. The Latzko technique was used in 27 women. Füth's method, in 7. In the remaining cases various vaginal procedures were chosen, for example, interposition of the bulbocavernosus muscle or interposition of the uterus. Three late complecations with recess formation (in 2 cases with concrements) after the Latzko operation could be treated trans-urethrally. Ten years after a Füth's operation one patient had to undergo vaginal surgery for an urethral diverticulum with concrement. The precedure of choice in the typical post-hysterectomy fistula is the Latzko operation. For fistulae patients who still have a uterus, other vaginal procedures are preferable. No attempt should be made to close a radiogenic fistula--usually following inadequate radiation therapy--by a vaginal operation. Details of our indications are fully dealt with in the discussion.     

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.     

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging for diagnosis of urethrovaginal fistula

We present a novel technique for visualization of a urethrovaginal fistula. A 52-year-old patient presented with persistent urinary incontinence, after having three mid-urethral sling procedures performed within the past year. The diagnosis of a urethrovaginal fistula was made by endovaginal 3-D endovaginal ultrasound and confirmed intraoperatively. We have described a novel technique that may benefit patients with urethrovaginal fistulas that are difficult to visualize.     

The management of injuries to the urethra, bladder or vagina encountered during difficult placement of the artificial urinary sphincter in the female patient.

Between 1977 and 1989, an artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 57 female patients. In 6 patients inadvertent intraoperative injuries to pelvic organs occurred, 5 of whom had a history of an average 2.8 previous operations for incontinence (range 2 to 4). The remaining patient was a 16-year-old girl with primary internal sphincter incompetence. All 6 patients presented with total incontinence. Intraoperative injury included 4 women who sustained vaginal perforations, while 1 had an anterior bladder perforation and in 1 the urethra was entered. Mechanisms of injury were sharp perforation of structures adherent to the pubis and blunt tears of distorted urethrovaginal tissues. Primary closures of the urethra, bladder and vaginal defects followed by insertion of the artificial urinary sphincter were accomplished successfully. Postoperative management included vaginal antiseptic packs, appropriate antibiotics and delayed sphincter activation. Of the 6 patients 5 remained dry after initial placement with a mean followup of 32 months (range 7 to 77). The remaining patient required replacement with a higher pressure balloon and a smaller cuff, which resulted in complete continence.     

Recurrent posttraumatic urethro-vaginal fistula: a new application for ASTRA

The authors describe the results of an application of the surgical technique called ASTRA (anterior sagittal transrectal approach) in a 16-year-old girl with recurrent urethro-vaginal fistula. The young girl had a posttraumatic urethro-vaginal fistula. It recurred after 4 operations by a direct vaginal approach before definitive correction with the ASTRA. Three years after the operation the patient has remained well with complete healing and no fistula recurrence confirmed by a voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamic and rectal manometric tests. This report suggests that ASTRA is a useful method of treating acquired or developmental anomalies of the perineal region.     

Transverse retubularized ileal vaginoplasty: a new application of the Monti principle--preliminary report

OBJECTIVE: The surgical management of the absence of the vagina is a complex problem and constitutes a significant technical challenge. Herein we present our successful experience with vaginal reconstruction by the use of a modified ileal segment according to the Monti principle. METHODS: Six patients aged from 23 to 41 years (mean 33 years) were referred to our institution for vaginal stenosis. In our series, ileum has been used to create the neovagina: the isolated segment has been longitudinally detubularized and transversally retubularized in order to configure the roof of the neovagina. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 220 min. No intra-operative complication occurred. The mean follow-up of this series was 16 months. At the latest follow-up, all patients had patent moist neovaginas, but excessive vaginal mucous was not a problem in any patient in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Neovaginal creation using isolated ileal segments according to the Monti channel principle provide excellent tissue for vaginal replacement, providing excellent patient satisfaction and relatively low morbidity. Cosmetic, functional and anatomical results were encouraging. In our opinion our technique may be indicated for all cases of vaginal absence: congenital abnormalities in the pediatric population, vaginal stenosis after treatment of pelvic tumors, severe vaginal scarring secondary to chronic inflammatory disease or in case of secondary correction after failure gender surgery.     

Martius repair in urethrovaginal defects

Aim

To repair a urethrovaginal defect in childhood is a challenge for a pediatric surgeon. Martius fat-pad flap repair is being used in women successfully. Here, we report 2 girls who had Martius repair for their urethrovaginal defects.

Method

Topical estriol and asiaticoside perineally were administered for preoperative 3 weeks to reinforce the tissues. Martius repair was done using 1-sided labial fat-pad flap. Urethral and bladder catheters were inserted. Urethral catheter was removed on postoperative day 14 and bladder catheter on day 21 after controlling residual urine.

Patients

Patient 1, a 6-year-old girl, had lipomeningocele repair at the age of 18 months and had an iatrogenic urethrovaginal fistula that is caused by catheter insertion. She developed urinary incontinence, and 3 primary repair attempts were unsuccessful.Patient 2 is a 5-year-old girl who had pouch colon with persistent cloacal malformation and had posterior anorectovaginourethroplasty. The urethrovaginal septum did not heal, and she was incontinent. One attempt of primary repair was unsuccessful. The urethrovaginal wall was completely open at the time of Martius repair in both patients.

Results

Urethral wall was completely healed after Martius repair in both patients.

Conclusion

Martius fat-pad flap repair can be used to repair urethrovaginal fistulas in girls. It has both functionally and cosmetically good results, and neourethra is easily catheterizable.     

The management of old urethral injury in young girls: analysis of 44 cases

Background/purpose: Traumatic urethral injury in girls is rare, and there is no consensus on its management. The authors report their 22-year experience.Methods: Forty girls presented with urethrovaginal fistula. Twenty-six girls presented with cystostomy tube in place, whereas 17 girls presented with complete urinary incontinence. Incision and dilatation of the obliterated urethra was carried out in 7 patients. Vaginal repair of urethrovaginal fistula was performed in 4 patients. Transpubic reconstruction of the urethra using a modified Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure with simultaneous repair of the urethrovaginal fistula was performed in 35 patients (once in 27, twice in 5, and 3 times in 3 patients).Results: Follow-up in 40 girls averaged 3.5 years. Twenty-nine patients have regained normal urinary control, and 11 patients have mild stress urinary incontinence. Four patients were lost to follow-up.Conclusions: Simple dilation of the obliterated urethra can reestablish satisfactory urethral patency if the obliterated segment is short. The vaginal approach to urethrovaginal fistula may be successful in patients without concomitant urethral stricture or in those with stricture amenable to simple dilation. The transpubic approach remains the method of choice for repairing complete urethral disruption and severe urethral stricture, especially when associated with urethrovaginal fistula.     

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.     

Do unplanned cystotomies during vaginal operative procedures lead to vesicovaginal fistulae or other complications?

Urology has recently experienced a renewed interest in vaginal operative procedures such as bladderneck suspension, vesicovaginal fistula closure, fascial slings and artificial urinary sphincters. Because many vaginal operations are done on patients who have had previous bladder neck or urethral surgeries, considerable scar tissue may be encountered. With the absence of normal tissue planes unplanned cystotomy may occur. These patients seem likely to develop vesicovaginal fistula due to the dependent vesicotomy. The authors studied a group of 12 patients who had had unplanned cystotomies while undergoing a vaginal procedure. In 11 cases the cystotomy was repaired transvaginally using two layers of 4/0 polyglycolic acid suture, and the originally planned operation was carried out. All patients had a negative cystogram 10 days postoperatively. No patient developed a vesicovaginal fistula or a perivesical infection, even if an artificial urinary sphincter or silastic pledgets were placed. Unplanned cystotomy at the time of vaginal operation should be closed and the scheduled procedure completed. A simple two-layer watertight closure and adequate urethral drainage for at least 1 week is unlikely to develop into a perivesical infection or a vesicovaginal fistula.     

显微外科技术治疗复杂膀胱尿道阴道瘘(附五例报告)

目的 总结显微外科技术修补复杂性膀胱尿道阴道瘘的经验。方法 膀胱尿道瘘患者4例，膀胱阴道多发瘘1例，均在手术放大镜下用细线行瘘修补，膀胱颈缺损多层缝合或利用阴道壁修补尿道缺损。结果 5例均一次修补成功，随访6～12个月，排尿均通畅。1例膀胱颈全尿道缺损者咳嗽时有轻微尿失禁，余4例无尿失禁、无漏尿，性生活满意。结论 多层缝合膀胱颈缺损可恢复膀胱颈括约肌功能，显微外科技术组织对合好、反应小，有利于尿瘘愈合。