What is Repair of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula?

This procedure involves repairing an abnormal connection between the urinary tract (usually the bladder) and the vagina. A fistula is the word used to describe a connection between two organ structures. The repair can range from simple to complex.

The Urinary Tract © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

A vesico-vaginal fistula repair is done in women with a fistula, which may be caused by:

• Injury to the urinary tract (eg, during childbirth , surgery, or radiation therapy )

• Previous operation

• Tumor

• Crohn’s disease

• Impaired blood flow due to radiation or long labor

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. But, no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have vesico-vaginal fistula repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Urinary tract infection or other infections

• Irritation or inflammation of the vulva (the opening of the vagina)

• Injury to bladder, vagina, or urethra (the tube that carries urine outside of the body from the bladder)

• Bleeding

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia (eg, low blood pressure, wheezing)

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Taking blood-thinning medicines

• Fistula that is large or complex

• Already having an infection or chronic inflammation

Discuss these...