Large vesicovaginal fistula in women with pelvic organ prolapse: the role of colpocleisis revisited

Abstract

Successful repair of large vesicovaginal fistulas poses a significant challenge in surgically unfit older women with pelvic organ prolapse. Two women, at ages of 85 and 93, referred for involuntary urine loss were found to have neglected pessaries resulting in large vesicovaginal fistulas. After the removal of the pessary, fistula repair and LeFort colpocleisis were done with success. At 12 months postoperatively, the patients were free of leakage and prolapse. For frail, elderly women with large vesicovaginal fistula and pelvic organ prolapse, addition of LeFort colpocleisis to the repair provides an effective treatment for both.