Robot-assisted Repair of Complex Vesicovaginal Fistulae: Feasibility and Outcomes

To share our experience and techniques of robot-assisted repair of complex vesicovaginal fistulae.

Prospectively maintained data of patients undergoing robot-assisted repair of complex vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) from December 2014 to October 2019 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, operative data, postoperative events, and follow-up outcomes were noted. All cases underwent preoperative cysto-vaginoscopy and upper tract imaging. The procedure was completed in a standard fashion. Additional procedures included Boari flap reimplantation, Burch-colposuspension, ureteric reimplantation and Vaginal flap incorporation. On follow-up, successful repair was defined as no urine leak after removal of catheter.

Out of 73 patients undergoing robot-assisted VVF repair at our institute, 33 were classified as complex VVF. Mean age was 42.7 ± 7.2 years. The most common cause of VVF was posthysterectomy (81.8%) with 21 (63.1%) recurrent VVFs. Thirty patients (90.0%) had supratrigonal fistulae; multiple fistulae were present in 3 cases. Two patients underwent Boari flap ureteric reimplantation for concomitant ureteric stricture and ureteric neocystostomy was required in another patient. One patient underwent our novel technique of vaginal flap incorporation and a Burch colposuspension was performed simultaneously in one patient with stress incontinence. The median follow-up was 35 months (interquartile range 8.5months). Successful outcome was noted in 31 (93.9%) patients; recurrence requiring further repair in 2 patients.

The current series presents the largest number of complex VVFs repaired by robotic assistance. Robot-assisted repair can be considered as one stop procedure for such complex and vexing problems.