An anal fistula most often happens from an anal gland that has developed a pus-filled infection (abscess). A fistula can also happen with certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease. Or it may happen after radiation therapy for cancer. Injury to the anal canal and surgery can also cause anal fistulas.
How do I prevent VVF?
- Adequate antenatal care should be extended to at risk mothers who are likely to develop obstructed labor.
- In case of a long-standing obstructed labor, the urinary bladder should be drained continuously for a period of 5-7 days following the delivery of the baby.
Is VVF curable?
Sotelo et al demonstrated a 93% cure rate in the laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistulas in 15 selected patients who had clear indications for abdominal approach surgical treatment.
What are the causes of VVF?
What causes a vesicovaginal fistula? Vesicovaginal fistulas are often a complication after surgery to treat problems in the bladder or vagina. They also can be linked to gynecological cancer, either from the disease or sometimes as a side effect of radiation therapy or surgery to treat the cancer.
Can VVF be cured?
The only way to fix vesicovaginal fistulas is with surgery to close off the opening. Sometimes additional procedures are needed to correct the original cause of the problem, such as damage to the bladder. Surgery to correct vesicovaginal fistulas is generally very successful.
What causes female fistula?
Fistulas can occur in various parts of the body. In women, fistulas involving the genital and urinary tracts are the most common and happen due to prolonged or obstructed childbirth, injury during pelvic surgery, infection, inflammation, or radiation treatment in the pelvis or genital area.
How do you treat a bladder fistula without surgery?
In the occasional case of a simple fistula (one that is not associated with cancer or radiation therapy), bladder drainage for a minimum of four weeks may allow the fistula to heal without surgery.
What is the cause of VVF?
Specifically, a vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal passage between the bladder and the vagina. In the United States, the most common cause of a VVF is injury to the bladder at the time of gynecologic, urologic, or other pelvic surgery. Other causative factors include pelvic radiation, malignancy or other trauma.
What are the complications of VVF?
The success of VVF repair at the first attempt is approximately 85% for both transabdominal and transvaginal techniques. [11] Complications include recurrent fistula formation, ureteric injury or obstruction, vaginal stenosis, reduced bladder capacity and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms.
How do I know if I have a bladder fistula?
Bladder fistula is diagnosed with an x-ray study. The type of x-ray used may be a CT scan or a pelvic x-ray. A dye that shows up well in x-rays (called "contrast") will be put into your bladder, either through a vein or a catheter.