What is Vesico-Vaginal Fistula?
Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening in the vaginal canal. Through this tunnel-like orifice, the vagina links to other organs such as the bladder or the rectum. A vaginal fistula is a hole in the vaginal canal through which feces or urine can leak out. The creation of these tunnel-like holes occurs when the tissues inside the vagina die. The hole gradually connects to organs in the urinary or digestive systems as it grows. Depending on which organ they connect to, vaginal fistulas exist in different ways. A vesicovaginal fistula occurs when the bladder is linked to the wall of the vagina.
Disease
Vaginal fistulas are tunnel-like openings in the vagina that link to various organs in the area of the vagina. Vaginal fistulas are not extremely painful on their own. However, they might cause symptoms that require medical treatment. There’s always the possibility that urine or stool will leak into the vaginal canal and come out. A vesicovaginal fistula occurs when an unusual fistula tract connects the bladder to the walls of the vagina. There can be a single opening that connects the bladder to the walls of the vagina or there can be multiple openings. The most commonly seen vaginal fistulas are vesicovaginal fistulas. Vesicovaginal fistulas arise after the person undergoes, bladder or vaginal surgeries. Vesicovaginal fistulas can be complicated as well. Since the bladder is linked to the vagina, it can lead to urine leaking out. The leak can range from a few drops every now and then to a steady leakage. The constant wetness, presence of urine, etc will lead to urinary tract infections that will keep recurring. The urine leakage will have a foul odor.
- PROCEDURE NAME : Laser Treatment for Piles
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive LASER
- HOSPITALIZATION: No Hospitalization
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA:Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
A physical examination will be performed by the health care practitioner to check for vaginal fistulas. A pelvic exam will also be performed on the patient. To rule out any possible infections, blood tests and urinalysis will be conducted. Fistulograms will be performed to determine the fistula’s size and condition. A CT scan is used to examine the vaginal and urinary systems. Dye tests are also used to check for leaks. The dye will be injected into the bladder through a vein or with the help of a catheter. The health care professional will observe the bladder with a scope as well.
Surgery
If the fistulas are small and mild, there’s a chance they’ll heal on their own. The patients will be given medications to help them recover. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections and cure fistulas. Temporary catheters or stents may be used in some circumstances to aid in the healing of the fistula. The catheter will keep the urine away from the fistula while it’s healing. This process might take up to twelve weeks to heal the fistula completely. Surgery will be recommended in cases of severe fistulas. Surgery is required in the majority of cases to heal a vesicovaginal fistula. With the help of the patient’s own tissues or surgical mesh, the incision is surgically closed by the medical professional. A vaginal fistula can be repaired through the abdomen or the vagina. The surgeon will make a surgical cut into the flesh before closing the opening that caused the vaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula can potentially be repaired with minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopy as well.
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Painful bowel movements
- Nausia
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Swelling & Itching
- Painful bowel movements
- Excessive Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vesico-vaginal fistula?
Vaginal fistulas are a tunnel-like opening in the vagina that links to various organs in the area of the vagina
What causes vesico-vaginal fiatulas?
Vaginal fistulas are formed when the tissues in the vagina die. When the tissues in the vagina die, it creates a hole, and vaginal fistulas occur in these places. It might take days or even years for these holes to develop into vaginal fistulas.
What is the main symptom of a vesicovaginal fistula?
The main symptom displayed by a vesicovaginal fistula is that the urine will leak into the vaginal canal, resulting in urinary incontinence. In the case of fistulas that connect the vagina with the urinary system, it causes irritation in the genital area, foul-smelling urine, pain during intercourse, and various infections such as urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, or kidney infections.
Is a vesicovaginal fistula painful?
Vaginal fistulas are not very painful on their own. However, they are known to cause abdominal pain and pain while engaging in sexual intercourse
Is surgery required for a vesicovaginal fistula?
If the fistula is mild, it might heal on its own. However, in severe cases of fistulas, surgery is usually required to correct it.
