Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal communication between the bladder and the vagina. Prompt diagnosis and timely repair are essential for successful management of these cases. As the clinical scenario is variable, it is difficult to frame uniform guidelines for the management of VVF. Hence, the management protocol is dependent on the treating surgeon and the available resources. Conservative methods should be used in carefully selected patients. Delayed repair is better than the early repair of VVF. Transvaginal route for repair is preferred as it has low morbidity, higher success rates, and minimal complications. Anticholinergics should be used in the postoperative period for better chance of bladder healing. When facilities are available, all the patients may be referred to a tertiary care center where expertise and advanced resources are available. Trained surgeons adapting the new trends should refine the art of VVF repair.
Fig. 2. Extracted large bladder calculus measuring 6 ¥ 5 cm in size with irregular surface. Fig. 3. Greyish white bladder calculus extracted by suprupubic cystolithotomy.
Urinary diversion after extirpative surgery of the bladder is done by various methods. Conduit urinary diversion is the most commonly practiced method of urinary diversion. It is relatively easy to perform and has a lower complication rate than other forms of diversion, e.g., orthotopic neobladder and continent cutaneous urinary diversion. Urolithiasis is a known and common complication of urinary diversion. Upper tract calculi in these cases often manifest symptomatically as occurs in the general population. Stones in the conduit can have a variable clinical presentation. Asymptomatic presentation is also noted in a few cases. We report a case of a large silent bifid ureteric calculus within an ileal conduit in a woman who had undergone urinary diversion 32 years earlier. Plain X-ray of the abdomen is the only investigation necessary to rule out urinary lithiasis in those who have had urinary diversion for a long time. This simple tool can diagnose the condition well in advance and aid in planning the management of this condition.
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