Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgical Repair of Genitovesical Fistula in Females

Fistula is an abnormal passway that connects two organs or vessels that do not connect normally.

Genitourinary fistula refers to a fistula that occurs between reproductive tract organs (vagina, cervix, and uterus), and lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra, and pelvic ureters).

It is a serious condition which can significantly influence the biological and psychological condition of women, with a negative impact on the quality of life.

In developed countries, iatrogenic injury during hysterectomy or pelvic surgery is the primary cause of fistulae . However, the etiology differs in developing countries, being secondary to prolonged, obstructed, complicated labor.

Genitovesical fistulae are one of the most devastating complications in the urogynecology setting. The commonest type of these fistulae is the vesicovaginal fistula (VVF);the patients Suffering from continuous urinary leakage through the vagina and urinary smell, patients with VVF face hygienic, social, infectious, psychological, and sexual problems.

Vesicouterine fistulae (VUF) are not as common as VVF. In 1908, the first case was reported by Knipe , and later in 1957, Youssef reported on the classic symptoms of VUF. These symptoms included amenorrhea and cyclic hematuria, or menouria; known afterward as Youssef's syndrome. The prevalence of these fistulae is estimated to be 1-4% of all genitourinary fistulae.

Several options for the management of such fistulae have been discussed; these include conservative treatment with prolonged catheterization , open surgery, cysto-fulguration, endourology, and laparoscopy/robotic surgery. The decision-making is guided by the patient characteristics, etiology, and the experience of the treating surgeon.

Laparoscopy is of great advantage when compared to open surgery, including safe, effective, minimally invasive procedure, less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, lower blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. It is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications, including infections and improper wound healing