Chronic Urinary Retention: a Rare Complication of Urethro-Vaginal Fistula

Abstract

Chronic urinary retention is uncommon among women; in fact, it is even rarely described among patients with obstetric fistulae. A 27-year-old woman presented with history of failure to control urine for 9 months following neglected, prolonged labour. She had cesarean delivery in her first pregnancy. Examination revealed a suprapubic, cystic mass arising from the pelvis. A defect was identified on anterior vaginal wall close to the urethral meatus. Sonographic findings show distended bladder, hence, the diagnosis of chronic urinary retention with urethro-vaginalfistula. She was repaired successfully; however, 21 days post-operatively she was recatheterized after showing retention on removal of Foley. After one additional month with the catheter, she was cured and discharged in good condition. Obstetric fistulae complicated with urinary retention can occur, and surgical repair does in fact seem to have a good outcome if prolonged catheterization is taken into consideration.