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Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 2

Indications

Patients with vaginal fistulas usually present 1 to 3 weeks after a gynecologic surgery with complaints of continuous urinary incontinence, vaginal discharge, pain or an abnormal urinary stream. After a complete physical examination, the doctors are usually able to confirm the diagnosis of fistula. However, sometimes it is necessary to perform additional x-ray studies to ascertain whether there is more than one fistula or whether the fistula may involve other organs. Once a complete evaluation has been performed and the diagnosis established, the surgeons at Atlanta Urogynecology Associates will discuss the surgical options with you.

Advantages

Drs. Miklos and Moore perform both transvaginal and laparoscopic fistula repair surgery. Many patients that are seen in their center have had multiple previous surgical attempts through the vagina and now are faced with a final attempt at repair through a large abdominal incision (aka laparotomy). By utilizing the minimally invasive approach known as laparoscopic fistula repair surgery, Drs. Miklos and Moore can repair fistulas with greater detail and complete visualization than either by the vaginal or abdominal approach. Many physicians repair fistulas through the vagina, but if the fistula persists after a vaginal repair, the defect occurs very high at the vaginal apex near the bladder. This is where the laparoscopic approach can help in the repair. Dr. Miklos has a series of publications dealing with laparoscopic management of vesicovaginal fistula repairs and vesicouterine fistula repair.

It is very important to repair the vesicovaginal fistula correctly on the first attempt. Our success rate is comparable to one of the largest studies of 303 patients at the Mayo Clinic. A testament to Dr. Miklos' approach and success can be found in that urogynecologists, urologists and gynecologists have referred patients from Indiana , Pennsylvania , Georgia and Alabama for laparoscopic repair of previously failed fistula surgeries.

Technique

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 3

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 4

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 5

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 6

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 7

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 8

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 9

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 10

Vesicovaginal Fistula Figure 11

Here are some pictures taken during a Fistula Repair Surgery:  

Picture 1--shows opening the fistula tract with
the bladder above and the vagina below

Picture 2--shows the separation of the stent
and the fistula; the hole above is the bladder
and the one below is the vagina

Picture 3—shows the hole in the bladder after
cutting away the fistula scar of the bladder
(now it appears larger than before)

Picture 4—shows closing the edges of the
bladder using a suture and needle

Picture 5---shows the placement of our 6th
suture (out of 7) closing the bladder hole in an
area of less than 1 inch (this is the first line of
closure, we reinforced this closure with a
second layer of sutures)

Picture 6—shows  a bladder full of water
testing  the integrity of our surgical repair.  We
tested the tightness of the repair only after
doing a two layer closure on the bladder.  

Results/Complications

Patients undergoing a vaginal fistula repair surgery can experience intra and post operative complications including, but not limited to, the following:

Complications of Fistula Repair

• Post Operative Failure
• Recurrent Fistula Formation
• Injury to Ureter, Bowel, or Intestines
• Vaginal Shortening

Though many institutions where vesicovaginal fistulas are repaired would also state that vaginal shortening is a potential complication, this is minimized and a rarity when performing vesicovaginal fistula repair laparoscopically.

Because most patients with fistulas have had previous fistula surgery, a laparoscopic fistula repair can be a complex procedure. Our success rate is greater than 90%. Some patients referred to us have had more than 3 previous attempts at vesicovaginal fistula repair, but after one laparoscopic approach, they have been cured of their fistula and its symptoms.

Atlanta Urogynecology Associates Experience

Drs. Miklos and Moore have performed laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repairs over the past 6 years with great success. We believe that the laparoscopic approach is beneficial in order to properly excise a vaginal fistula. The minimally invasive laparoscopic vesciovaginal fistula surgery is a safe and effective way to excise the abnormal connections that affect your lifestyle. You usually go home the next day and experience little or no pain. A PubMed search of laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair shows very few physicians with as much experience as Drs. Miklos and Moore.

Testimonial

"This is a thank you to Dr. Miklos for performing the surgery. I have been through 2 other attempts at vesicovaginal fistula repairs and both were not successful. Living with a vesicovaginal fistula was not the worst thing I could have endured, but it was definitely an inconvenience. I did at times experience depression, wishing for "my old life" back, when I didn't worry if I had enough pads with me or if there was a bathroom close enough for me to get to in time. I am so thankful for the results of the surgery, in a way I do have my old life back, but better. I am now much more appreciative of the blessings I have and how much there is to be thankful for. "

"Dr. Miklos and his staff were very professional, and yet made my husband and myself feel completely cared for. Dr. Miklos took the time before and after the surgery to answer all my questions regarding vesicovaginal fistula. I would recommend him to anyone who is suffering from a vesicovaginal fistula. After dealing with vesicovaginal fistula surgery for almost 2 years, I feel like I have my life back. Thank you Dr. Miklos."
-JR, Marion, IN

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