[Vaginal approach to non-irradiated vesicovaginal fistula]

We herein report our experience in the transvaginal repair of 30 consecutive cases of non-radiated Vesicovaginal Fistulae. The new principles applied include: early surgery as soon as the fistula is recognized, no excision of the fistulous tract to avoid retraction and bleeding of the margins as well as to provide protection of the ureteric orifices, closure of the intact fistula in two layers, rotation and advancement of the vaginal flap to cover the fistula avoiding overlapping of suture lines, and finally assurance of adequate bladder decompression with both a suprapubic tube and an urethral catheter. In the followup period of 6 to 72 months, we experienced a 94% success rate at primary repair with only two failures which are now dry after subsequent trans-vaginal closure. In spite of size, location or proximity to the ureteric orifices, the vaginal approach has proved to be amenable in all cases with minimal discomfort for the patient, a shorter hospital stay and equal or even better results than the more extensive abdominal approach.