The changing management of ureterovaginal fistulas

A retrospective review of 20 ureterovaginal fistulas in 19 patients treated within the last 20 years was done. All fistulas developed after gynecological procedures. The ureterovaginal fistulas resolved in all 7 patients in whom a self-retaining internal stent was placed in either a retrograde (5) or antegrade (2) manner for a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks. In contrast to the literature, it is concluded that modern endourological treatment will result in resolution of a ureterovaginal fistula if passage of a suitable internal stent is feasible. Every effort should be made to treat a ureterovaginal fistula endourologically rather than resort to an open operation.