Transvaginal bladder-neck closure: a step-by-step video for female pelvic surgeons

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Transvaginal bladder-neck closure is a definitive surgical option for urethral erosion due chronic bladder catheterization in patients with neurogenic bladder. Surgeons who perform female pelvic reconstructive surgery have limited exposure to this procedure in their training. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate a transvaginal bladder-neck closure due to urethral erosion in a patient with neurogenic bladder due to persistent neuropathy from Guillain-Barré syndrome managed with prolonged catheter drainage.

Methods: We used a live-action surgical demonstration to describe transvaginal bladder-neck closure with urinary diversion.

Results: This video provides a step-by-step approach to transvaginal bladder-neck closure as treatment for urethral erosion from chronic catheterization. This video can be used to educate and train those performing female pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Conclusions: Surgeons who perform female pelvic surgery should be familiar with the complications of chronic Foley catheterization and treatment options that include transvaginal bladder-neck closure. This video may be used to facilitate reproducibility and comprehension of this procedure.

Keywords: Bladder-neck closure; Chronic Foley catheterization; Neurogenic bladder; Surgical video; Urethral erosion.