Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Traumatic absence of the proximal urethra
Marcella L Roenneburg1, Clifford R Wheeless
1Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. mroenneburg@mdmercy.com
Objective:
Traumatic absence of the proximal urethra is an obstetrical vesicovaginal fistula resulting from obstructed labors in Niger, Africa. Repair by direct reanastomosis was evaluated.
Study Design:
A prospective case series of 25 women with traumatic absence of the proximal urethra underwent a direct layered reanastomosis of the distal urethra to the urethrovesical junction. Results are based on 21 patients (84%) examined at follow-up.
Results:
Seventeen patients (81%) had complete healing of their fistulas. After direct reanastomosis alone, 48% (10 of 21) were dry. An additional 7 patients (33%) suffered from urinary incontinence despite closure of their fistulas. Four patients (19%) had a persistent fistula.
Conclusion:
Direct layered reanastomosis is an acceptable primary repair procedure for traumatic absence of the proximal urethras.
Related Concept Videos
Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
