Robot-assisted Vesico-vaginal Fistula Repair: A Compilation

Abstract

Vesico-vaginal fistulae (VVF) are the most common type of urinary tract fistulae. 1 Tebeu PM Fomulu JN Khaddaj S et al. Risk factors for obstetric fistula: a clinical review. Int Urogynecol J. 2012; 23: 387-394 Crossref PubMed Scopus (73) Google Scholar These fistulae represent a complication that generally occurs after an iatrogenic injury during hysterectomy and lower segment cesarean section, obstructed labor, radiation necrosis, pelvic malignancies as well as other radical pelvic surgery. 1 Tebeu PM Fomulu JN Khaddaj S et al. Risk factors for obstetric fistula: a clinical review. Int Urogynecol J. 2012; 23: 387-394 Crossref PubMed Scopus (73) Google Scholar The incidence varies between 0.3% and 2%. 2 Harris WJ Early complications of abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1995; 50: 795-805 Crossref PubMed Scopus (157) Google Scholar Due to its iatrogenic nature, and symptomatology VVF is associated with considerable emotional and psychologic distress. 1 Tebeu PM Fomulu JN Khaddaj S et al. Risk factors for obstetric fistula: a clinical review. Int Urogynecol J. 2012; 23: 387-394 Crossref PubMed Scopus (73) Google Scholar , 3 Tancer ML Observations on prevention and management of vesicovaginal fistula after total hysterectomy. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1992; 175: 501-506 PubMed Google Scholar This may be expressed as anger, resentment, and disappointment on the part of the patient toward the treating physician. As a result, not infrequently, the medico-legal aspects of these cases can be very disturbing to the treating health care practitioner. 1 Tebeu PM Fomulu JN Khaddaj S et al. Risk factors for obstetric fistula: a clinical review. Int Urogynecol J. 2012; 23: 387-394 Crossref PubMed Scopus (73) Google Scholar ,3 Tancer ML Observations on prevention and management of vesicovaginal fistula after total hysterectomy. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1992; 175: 501-506 PubMed Google Scholar