What is Vaginal fistula?
Vaginal fistula
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that is seen in the vagina. This opening connects the vagina to other organs such as the bladder or the rectum. A vaginal fistula will cause stool or urine to pass through the vagina. These openings are caused when the tissues inside the vagina die. As a hole arises, it slowly connects with the organs of either the urinary or the digestive systems. There are different kinds of vaginal fistulas depending on which organ it gets connected with.
Laparoscopy
In cases of severe fistulas, surgery will be advised. In the majority of the cases, surgery is required to repair a vaginal fistula. The opening is surgically closed with the help of the patient’s own tissues or surgical mesh. The doctors can repair a vaginal fistula through the abdomen or the vagina. The surgeon will surgically cut into the flesh and then close the opening that created the vaginal fistula. There are also minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopy that can be used to repair a vaginal fistula.
- PROCEDURE NAME :Laparoscopy
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive LASER
- HOSPITALIZATION: HOSPITALIZATION
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA: Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
The health care provider will perform a physical examination to check for vaginal fistulas. The patient will be made to undergo a pelvic exam as well. Blood tests and urinalysis will be done to check for any infection that might be there. Fistulograms will be done to access the size and condition of the fistula. CT scans are done to observe the vagina and the urinary system. Dye tests are done to check for leakages as well.
Surgery
If the fistulas are small and minor, there is a possibility that they will heal on their own. Medications will be prescribed to heal them. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed to fight infections and heal the fistulas. In some cases, temporary catheters or stents will be inserted to help the fistula heal well. In cases of severe fistulas, surgery will be advised. In the majority of the cases, surgery is required to repair a vaginal fistula. The opening is surgically closed with the help of the patient’s own tissues or surgical mesh. The doctors can repair a vaginal fistula through the abdomen or the vagina. The surgeon will surgically cut into the flesh and then close the opening that created the vaginal fistula. There are also minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopy that can be used to repair a vaginal fistula.
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Nausia
- obesity
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Painful bowel movements
- Swelling & Itching
- Excessive Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vaginal fistulas?
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that is seen in the vagina. This opening connects the vagina to other organs such as the bladder or the rectum. A vaginal fistula will cause stool or urine to pass through the vagina. These openings are caused when the tissues inside the vagina die.
Is there only one kind of vaginal fistula?
No, there are different varieties of vaginal fistulas. Such as; The most commonly seen vaginal fistulas are vesicovaginal fistula, in which the opening in the vagina connects with the blader. A ureterovaginal fistula develops when the vagina connects with the ducts that carry urine into the bladder, from the kidneys. In the urethrovaginal fistula, the unusual opening in the vagina connects with the urethra. In a rectovaginal fistula, the opening in the vagina connects with the lower part of the large intestine or rectum. Some other varieties of vaginal fistulas are; colovaginal fistula, enterovginal fistula.
Are vaginal fistulas painful?
Vaginal fistulas are not necessarily painful. However, they will cause pain while the person is engaging in sexual intercourse or cause infections in the area.
What is the main cause of vaginal fistulas?
Vaginal fistulas are formed when the tissues in the vagina die. In very rare cases, people are seen to be born with vaginal fistulas from birth. Some of the other major causes that can lead to the formation of a vaginal fistula are; childbirth, vaginal tears that might result from childbirth, pelvic or abdominal surgery, cancer, etc.
Do I need medical attention if I have a vaginal fistula?
Yes. You need medical attention so that it doesn’t lead to any serious complications.
