Transvaginal primary layered repair of postsurgical urethrovaginal fistula.

Abstract

Urethrovaginal fistula (UVF) is a rare disorder, which implies the presence of an abnormal communication between the urethra and the vagina. Surgical repair options include transurethral, transabdominal and transvaginal procedures, either with or without tissue interposition. The vaginal route is considered a safe and effective option to correct UVF. This video is aimed to present a case of direct transvaginal layered repair of urethrovaginal fistula, without the use of tissue interposition. The featured patient is a 66-year-old woman who developed a symptomatic UVF after a complicated laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer 3years before. Cystoscopy demonstrated the presence of a 7mm urethral orifice a few millimeters caudal from the bladder neck. After proper informed consent, the patient was admitted to transvaginal primary layered repair, according to the technique demonstrated in the video. The featured procedure was completed in 60min and blood loss was < 100ml. No surgical complications were observed. The procedure was successful in restoring the anatomy and relieving the symptoms. Transvaginal layered repair without tissue interposition represents a safe and effective procedure for the surgical management of postsurgical urethrovaginal fistula.