Fistula Repair

Laparoscopic Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair

A vesico vaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina, which allows the involuntary flow of urine. The condition is surgically treated with laparoscopic vesico vaginal fistula repair and is performed under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes 3 to 4 small incisions in the lower abdomen. A laparoscope (tube with a light and a miniature camera) is inserted to locate the fistula. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to cut and remove the fistula. The walls of the urinary tract and vagina are repaired. Your surgeon closes the abdominal incisions firmly with sutures. A catheter may be left in place to drain urine from the bladder. The complete surgery may take 3 hours and you may have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days after the surgery.

Like all surgical procedures, laparoscopic vesico vaginal fistula repair may be associated with certain complications, which include:

• Bleeding
• Urinary tract infection
• Injury to bladder or urethra
• Irritation or inflammation at the opening of the vagina

The advantages of laparoscopic vesico vaginal fistula repair when compared to open repair include:

• Reduced hospital stay
• Smaller incisions and less scarring
• Less post-operative pain
• Faster recovery