Transvaginal genital fistula repair with insertion of Foley catheter via fistula tract

Abstract

Aim: Genital fistula is one of the most devastating injuries in women. Despite advances in medical care, it continues to be a distressing problem, and the success rate of repair surgery is still limited. We herein describe our experience with the surgical approach using Foley catheter to repair genital fistula after gynecological surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients who had received genital fistula repair surgery with Foley catheter between October 2011 and December 2013. Based on traditional transvaginal genital fistula repair surgery, we inserted a Foley catheter into the bladder or intestine through the fistula opening. As a result, the fistula opening could be tracked, which allows for a clear view to improve fistula repair. All 29 patients were followed up at 1, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results: Of the 29 patients, 28 had successful surgical outcome (96.55% success rate). The mean operative time was 85 ± 8.1 min. The mean blood loss was 109 ± 23.4 mL. No intraoperative complications were observed. The mean postoperative hospitalization time was 10 ± 2.8 days. The follow-up rate was 100%.

Conclusions: Repair of transvaginal genital fistula using Foley catheter had a high success rate, short operative time, minimal blood loss, low morbidity and short hospital stay. Therefore, this approach is minimally invasive and effective.

Keywords: Foley catheter; rectovaginal fistula; vesicovaginal fistula.