[Vesicovaginal fistulas]

Abstract

Vesicovaginal fistulas are often the result of obstetric trauma in third world countries or gynaecologic surgery in developed countries. The incidence of obstetric trauma is approximately 3-4/1000 births in West Africa. The incidence of fistulas as a result of surgery has remained relatively unchanged for years; 75% occur during gynaecologic procedures. The main clinical symptom of a vesicovaginal fistula is urine loss. Different surgical techniques with similar repair results are available: transvaginal approach, transvesical approach and transperitoneal approach. Irrespective of the approach used, requirements for successful repair include adequate surgical exposure, wide mobilization of the bladder and vagina, excision of the fistula tract, tension-free closure of the bladder and vagina, and placement of an interposition flap, i.e. Martius flap, omentum, peritoneum, when indicated. Using these surgical techniques, around 85% of women can be cured from their vesicovaginal fistula with a single operation.