Repair of vesicovaginal fistula with transvaginal and abdominal technique: Pamukkale University Urology Clinic results

Purpose: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a pathological condition that causes urinary incontinence from a tract between the bladder and the vagina, negatively affecting the quality of life, social life and patient health. The preferred method for VVF repair depends on the patient's characteristics, the features of the fistula, and the surgeon's experience. There is no definitive guideline for choosing between vaginal and abdominal VVF repair. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate VVF cases operated on in our clinic, comparing and interpreting patient characteristics and outcomes with the literature. Materials and methods: The data of 35 patients who underwent vaginal and abdominal VVF repair in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Transvaginal repair was preferred in 23 (65.7%) of the patients and abdominal repair was preferred in 12 (34.3%). The success rate of VVF surgery performed in our clinic was determined as 88.6%. Success rates were similar; 91.4% in vaginal repair and 83.4% in abdominal repair. Recurrence was observed in 2 of 23 patients (8.6%) who underwent transvaginal repair and 2 of 12 patients (16.6%) who underwent abdominal repair. Conclusion: In vesicovaginal fistula surgery, patient characteristics and fistula characteristics guide the preferred surgery. However, the surgeon's experience also plays a big role. Vaginal and abdominal VVF surgery are performed with similar high success rates.