Vesicovaginal Fistulas (also known as VVF, or Vaginal Fistulas) are abnormal tracts extending between the bladder and the vagina that allow the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault. The effects of this disorder extend beyond a woman’s physical discomfort and can severely impair their lives on a social, sexual, and emotional level. World-renowned Doctors Miklos and Moore understand the severity of VVF and have effectively provided relief for many women with a documented 98 percent cure rate. Knowledge is power, so getting the facts straight about VVF and its treatability is the best first step toward getting the best treatment, making the best choices, and ultimately helping women feel like the best version of themselves.

What are the causes of Vesiocovaginal Fistula?
There are several causes of VVF, including:

  • Prolonged obstructed labor: Ninety-seven percent of VVF cases in developing countries are caused by prolonged labor, and are associated with marked pressure necrosis, edema, tissue sloughing, and cicatrization.
  • Complications from procedures: Abdominal hysterectomies, vaginal surgeries, and vaginal mesh or sling insertions may lead to VVF and further discomfort.
  • Cancer and radiation therapy for pelvic cancer
  • A period of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • A deep tear in the perineum or an infected episiotomy after childbirth

What are the symptoms of VVF?
Uncontrolled (and usually continuous) leakage of urine into the vagina is considered the hallmark symptom of VVF, and complaints from patients typically involve urinary incontinence or an increase in vaginal discharge following pelvic surgery, sometimes accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge or gas. Additionally, postoperative abdominal, pelvic, flank pain, and genital soreness along with a fever would raise additional red flags and warrant some additional testing from your physician.

The diagnosis for Vesiocovaginal Fistula revolves primarily on your expressed symptoms, and your doctor will want to discuss any surgery, trauma, or disease that could have caused Vesicogvaginal Fistula. Various tests, including the use of dye in the vagina for signs of leakage, urinalysis to check for infection, a complete blood count to check for infection, x-rays, endoscopes, and MRIs can be used by your doctor to check for possible tissue damage.

What are the treatment options available for Vesicovaginal Fistula?
The location and complexity of the fistula and a surgeon’s medical training will determine the technique used in repairing a Vesicovaginal Fistula. Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore specialize in a minimally invasive surgery referred to as laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair.

Traditionally, VVF is repaired through large incisions in the abdomen, but there are phenomenal advantages to laparoscopic, or small incision surgery. Besides a significantly smaller incision, there is greater visibility available during surgery, and a reduced recovery time is typical (not to mention a one-day hospital stay, on average). A telescope is used to perform the surgery, and allows the surgeon an inside look at the fistula, which makes it easier to make precise and accurate repairs to the vaginal walls.

What are the possible complications of a Vaginal Fistula repair?
A Vaginal Fistula repair, while vastly simplified by the methods used by Doctor Miklos and Doctor Moore, can still be a complex procedure. Women undergoing a VVF repair may experience complications, including:

  • Postoperative failure
  • Recurrent fistula formation
  • Injury to the uterus, bowel, or intestines
  • Vaginal shortening

When faced with this disorder, it is important to consider the surgical expertise of your doctor in order to minimize these risks. Doctor Miklos and Moore have an extremely low risk of complications, due to their world-renowned specialization and expertise. Their complications rates have not risen above two percent on these procedures, and they have turned the lives of many women around – considering that previously failed vesicovaginal surgeries make up 25 percent of their patients. Some women treated have had up to four failed attempts at the repair before placing their care and trust in Doctor Miklos and Doctor Moore.

When less than one percent of urologists, urogynecologists and gynecologists can perform a laparoscopic vesicovaginal repair, you want to make sure to choose world-renowned Drs. Miklos and Moore, who are some of the most experienced and foremost authorities on Vesicovaginal Fistula repair in the world. If you have any questions regarding VVF and further options, contact us today!