ISSN : 2663-2187

Management Modalities of Vesicovaginal Fistulae

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Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Ismail , Esam Desoky , Mohammed M. Seleem , kareem M Taha
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.2.2024.3721-3734

Abstract

Background: If surgical repair is not immediate, conservative measures that may be undertaken include continuous bladder drainage with an indwelling catheter, fulguration of the fistulous tract, or the use of fibrin or cyanoacrylate glue in the tract. VVF can be best managed following basic surgical principles, such as adequate exposure, identification of structures, wide mobilization, tension-free closure, good hemostasis and uninterrupted bladder drainage. The choice of surgical repair of VVF depends on the surgeon's experience, the location and size of the fistula, and the patient's preference. VVF is most commonly repaired transvaginally, as most gynecologists find this approach more convenient. The transabdominal route is mostly used by urologists. There is no consensus on the timing of repair for successful outcome; however, the timing of surgery should be balanced between attainment of optimal tissue conditions and liberation of urinary leak for the patient. The decision for an abdominal approach for VVF repair is largely driven by patient and surgeon preference as well as the need for concomitant abdominal surgeries like augmentation enterocystoplasty, ureteral reimplantation, or repair of an enteric fistula. A buccal mucosal graft (BMG) is an oral mucosal tissue harvested from the inner cheek or lower lip. It is frequently used for the repair of urethral defects, including rectourethral and vesicovaginal fistulae. This technique was popularized after 1992 and is the first-choice graft tissue for urethroplasty in the repair of male urethral strictures. The use of oral mucosa is favored by urologists because of its similarities and compatibility with the mucosa of the urethral tract. The buccal mucosa is a nonkeratinized tissue, and its thick epithelium with vascular lamina propria gives it strength and adaptability to withstand the shearing forces in the mouth as well as defend against the microbial environment of the oral cavity.

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