Spontaneous closure of vesicovaginal fistulas after bladder drainage alone: review of the evidence

Abstract

A vesicovaginal fistula may occur as a surgical complication, the result of obstructed labor, or a late manifestation of radiotherapy. Surgical treatment includes many routes and techniques, with a success rate reaching 100%. The spontaneous closure of vesicovaginal fistulae following [corrected] bladder drainage alone for varying periods has been reported by many. The factors favoring the success of this conservative method have not been well examined [corrected] In this investigation [corrected] all articles referring [corrected] to this modality were reviewed [corrected] The parameters studied included etiology, size, interval from [corrected] causative insult to drainage, and duration of drainage. The incidence of spontaneous closure of fistulae [corrected] after bladder drainage alone ranged between [corrected] 0 and 100%. Among all assessed criteria, the interval to drainage seems to have the best correlation with success. This finding [corrected] is most likely explained on the basis of the epithelialization of the fistulous tract with time, preventing spontaneous healing. In the view of the retrospective nature of the reviewed articles, the absence of a detailed classification system, and the heterogeneity of the treatment in question, no solid conclusion regarding management recommendations can be drawn.