Uretero-vaginal fistulas - clinical presentation, treatment and literature overview

A uretero-vaginal fistula (UVF) describes an abnormal connection between the ureter and vagina causing urinary incontinence, frequent infection, and discomfort. Although UVF might be diagnosed after vaginal delivery, infertility treatment or pelvic radiation therapy, gynecological operations, especially total abdominal hysterectomy, remain the leading cause of ureteral injury and formation of UVF. Traditional ureteroneocystostomy was usually the treatment of choice in patients with UVF. Nevertheless, it is now frequently replaced by less invasive endoscopic and percutaneous procedures which are also highly effective and feasible. That is why, ureteral stenting became the first-line treatment in uncomplicated UVF. The aim of this review is to present clinical presentation of UVF and to assess the current state of knowledge about the diagnosis and management of uretero-vaginal fistula with special interest on minimally-invasive methods.