Management of recurring vesi-covaginal fistulas by vaginal flap technique

Abstract

— Since 1990 9 patients with vesi-covaginal fistulae located in the trigonal area of the bladder have been treated using the Leach, Raz transvaginal approach (1983). 6 women had been operated previously (4 women once / 2 women twice). Although it is customary to recommend the transabdominal route when operative repair fails, we preferred the transvaginal technique. When the urethral catheter was removed on the tenth to fifteenth postoperative day, all patients were dry. The outpatient voiding diary documented urgency/frequency syndrome in 2 cases and urinary retention in 1 due to psychosocial causes and neurogenic etiology (previous abdominoperineal resection). This technique is certainly interesting and we recommend it before attempting any abdominal surgical repair in particularly unsuccessful cases because it offers several advantages: excellent exposure, no opening of the bladder, minimal dissection, multilayer closure, reduced postoperative discomfort and shorter hospital stay.