Q&A

What is Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas?

What is Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas?

A vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract is called a vesicovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the rectum is called a rectovaginal fistula.

Is a vesicovaginal fistula serious?

A vesicovaginal fistula is an opening that develops between the bladder and the wall of the vagina. The result is that urine leaks out of the vagina, sometimes lightly but it can be steady if the fistula is large. In addition to being a serious medical problem, this condition is very upsetting.

What are the three types of obstetric fistula?

Different types of obstetric fistula

  • vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), between the bladder and vagina.
  • urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), between the urethra (bladder outlet) and vagina.
  • rectovaginal fistula (RVF), between the rectum and vagina.
  • ureterovaginal fistula, between the ureters (kidney tubes) and the vagina.

What are the types of vesicovaginal fistula?

There are several types of vaginal fistulas:

  • Vesicovaginal fistula. Also called a bladder fistula, this opening occurs between your vagina and urinary bladder and is the type that doctors see most often.
  • Ureterovaginal fistula.
  • Urethrovaginal fistula.
  • Rectovaginal fistula.
  • Colovaginal fistula.
  • Enterovaginal fistula.

Can obstetric fistula cause death?

An obstetric fistula occurs when a mother has a prolonged, obstructed labor, but doesn’t have access to emergency medical care, such as a C-section. She often labors in excruciating pain for days. Tragically, her baby usually dies.

Why is fistula called the silent epidemic?

notes that fistula, while 100 percent preventable, is a silent epidemic because it primarily affects poor girls and women in developing countries. Taping rights: Can be used up to one year after program is recorded off the air.

How is a Vesicovaginal fistula diagnosed?

The first step of diagnosis usually is a pelvic examination. Patients also receive a cystoscope exam which allows a small camera to visualize the inside of the bladder and locate the fistula. A CT scan and/or a voiding cystourethrogram are used to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that there are no other fistulas.

What does it mean to have a Vesico-Vaginal Fistula?

What is a vesico-vaginal fistula? A vesico-vaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder (which stores urine) and the vagina. There may be just one opening, there may be more. If you have a fistula, urine will leak from the vagina, and since the vagina is not designed to hold urine you will not be able to control this.

How do you get rid of a vesico fistula?

A small catheter (hollow tube) is put into the bladder and blue dye is passed through it into the bladder. This will stain the urine in the bladder blue so it can be seen easily should it leak out. The catheter is then removed and you will be asked to walk around for half an hour, but not pass urine. After this time the swabs are carefully removed.

Which is better laparoscopic fistula or vaginal fistula repair?

Laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair facilitates quicker recovery, less pain, and a lower complication rate as compared to the typical open-incision abdominal repair. Moreover, this technique provides superior access to this complex anatomy when compared to a vaginal approach.

How is an intravenous pyelogram test used for fistula?

Intravenous pyelogram: This test uses dye injected into the bladder along with X-rays to visualize the flow of urine through the urinary tract and, potentially, the fistula’s location. CT scan or MRI: A CT scan uses computer-processed X-rays to generate images, while a MRI utilizes magnetic energy.