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.

Rectoneovaginal fistula after sex reassignment surgery. Description of our experience and literature review. / Fístulas rectoneovaginales en pacientes tras cirugía de reasignación de sexo. Descripción de nuestra experiencia y revisión de la literatura.

Male-to-female reassignment surgery or vaginoplasty includes those surgical procedures that aim to recreate a functional and cosmetically acceptable female perineum with minimal scarring. The technique of choice at our center is penile inversion vaginoplasty with or without scrotal skin grafts. We present 4 cases diagnosed with rectoneovaginal fistulas treated at our center with favorable evolution. The first patient was diagnosed in the late postoperative period during dilation. She underwent 2 failed vaginal repair attempts. Finally, a temporary colostomy and a rectal flap were performed. The second patient was diagnosed 2 weeks after the initial surgery due to aggressive dilation and was treated with a temporary colostomy and secondary wound closure. The third patient was diagnosed on the fifth post-operative day after removal of the vaginal packing. Dietary restriction was indicated, and a rectal flap was performed. A fourth patient was diagnosed within the late postoperative period; she was submitted to surgical exploration and a rectal wall flap was created. Rectoneovaginal fistulas after sex reassignment surgery has an incidence of about 2-17% and they are the most common type of fistula after this procedure. In most cases, it is secondary to rectal injury during the initial surgery. The management of these fistulas ranges from primary closure, diverting colostomies, conservative management, or the performance of flaps. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of this complication.

Neobladder-Vaginal Fistula: Surgical Management Techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the complexities of diagnosis and management of neobladder-vaginal fistula (NVF) following orthotopic urinary diversion in women. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple recent single-institution series confirm the variability of outcomes for NVF repairs and caution regarding comorbid stress urinary incontinence which may necessitate further interventions including conversion to alternate diversions. Although both abdominal and transvaginal approaches have been advocated for surgical management of NVF, contemporary series from reconstructive surgeons favor a vaginal approach to decrease overall operative morbidity. Patients should be carefully counseled regarding neobladder and sphincter function following fistula repair along with the risks of secondary urinary diversion.

Assessing quality of life in obstetric fistula patients: Validation of the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) in Lingala and Kikongo in DR Congo.

AIMS: The Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) are both well-known. In obstetric fistula (OF) repair outcome is usually assessed by the surgical team. The patient perspective is often neglected. Therefore we translated both questionnaires in Lingala and Kikongo, official languages in DR Congo. Secondly used the questionnaires in an OF population to assess the real life continence status and the impact of fistula repair surgery. METHODS: UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were translated and underwent content validity checks using focus groups. The final versions were tested in a normal population and in an OF population (33 for Kikongo, 35 for Lingala) for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The responsiveness was tested in an OF population and effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS: Both questionnaires showed good internal consistency and reliability. The Cronbach's α for UDI-6 in both languages was 0.47 for the IIQ-7, 0.96 for Lingala and 0.94 for Kikongo in an OF population. The test-retest reliability was high in all cohorts. Both questionnaire scores improved significantly after fistula repair. The effect size for UDI-6 was -1.09 and -1.6 for IIQ-7. CONCLUSION: Both IIQ-7 and UDI-6 questionnaires have been translated in Lingala and Kikongo, two languages of DR Congo. The questionnaires have been validated in an obstetrical fistula population, showing good content validity and test-retest reliability. The questionnaires show a highly significant effect size, demonstrating the dramatic positive effect of fistula surgery on urogenital symptoms and on the quality of live in an obstetric fistula population.

Diverticular Colovaginal Fistulas: What Factors Contribute to Successful Surgical Management?

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is the leading cause of colovaginal fistulas. Surgery is challenging given the inflammatory process that makes dissection difficult. To date, studies are small and include fistula secondary to multiple etiologies. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to examine surgical outcomes of diverticular colovaginal fistulas and to identify variables associated with successful closure. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained clinical database. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Women with diverticular colovaginal fistulas, who underwent surgical repair with intent to close the fistula, were included. INTERVENTIONS: Repair of colovaginal fistula through minimally invasive or open techniques was involved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful closure of fistula, defined as resolution of symptoms and no stoma, was measured. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent surgical treatment of diverticular colovaginal fistula, 23 (44%) of whom underwent a minimally invasive approach (conversion rate of 22%). Ostomy construction and omental pedicle flaps were used in 28 (54%) and 38 patients (73%). Surgery was successful in 47 patients (90%). Accounting for secondary operations, ultimate success and failure rates were 49 (94.0%) and 3 (5.7%). There was no difference in postoperative morbidity between the 2 groups (5 patients with Clavien-Dindo III/IV complications in the success group versus 2 patients in the failure group; 10.6% vs 40.0%; p = 0.44). Failure to achieve fistula closure was not associated with perioperative variables, age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, ASA grade, steroid use, previous abdominal surgery or hysterectomy, use of omentoplasty, or ostomy. Patients who failed were more likely to be smokers (60.0% vs 12.8%; p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the retrospective design and lack of power. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is effective in achieving successful closure of diverticular colovaginal fistula. Smokers should be encouraged to stop before embarking on an elective repair. Although the use of fecal diversion and omental pedicle flaps did not correlate with success, they should be used when clinically appropriate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A983. FÍSTULAS COLOVAGINALES DIVERTICULARES ¿QUÉ FACTORES CONTRIBUYEN AL ÉXITO DEL TRATAMIENTO QUIRÚRGICO?: La enfermedad diverticular es la causa principal de fístulas colovaginales. La cirugía es un reto dado el proceso inflamatorio que dificulta la disección. Hasta la fecha, los estudios son pequeños e incluyen fístulas secundarias a múltiples etiologías. OBJETIVO: 1) Examinar los resultados quirúrgicos de las fístulas colovaginales diverticulares; 2) Identificar variables asociadas a un cierre exitoso. DISEÑO:: Estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos clínicos prospectivamente mantenida. CONFIGURACIÓN:: Centro de referencia superior. PACIENTES: Mujeres con fístulas colovaginales diverticulares, que se sometieron a una reparación quirúrgica con la intención de cerrar la fístula. INTERVENCIONES: Reparación de la fístula colovaginal mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas o abiertas. MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Cierre exitoso de la fístula definida como resolución de los síntomas y sin estoma. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y dos pacientes se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico de la fístula colovaginal diverticular, 23 (44%) de los cuales se sometieron a un acceso mínimamente invasivo (tasa de conversión del 22%). La construcción de la ostomía y los pedículos omentales se utilizaron en 28 (54%) y 38 pacientes (73%), respectivamente. La cirugía fue exitosa en 47 pacientes (90%). Tomando en cuenta las operaciones secundarias, las tasas finales de éxito y fracaso fueron 49 (94.0%) y 3 (5.7%). No hubo diferencias en la morbilidad postoperatoria entre los dos grupos (5 pacientes con complicaciones de Clavien-Dindo III / IV en el grupo de éxito versus a 2 pacientes en el grupo de fracaso, 10.6% versus a 40.0%; p = 0.44). El fracaso para lograr el cierre de la fístula no se asoció con variables perioperatorios, edad, IMC, diabetes, grado ASA, uso de esteroides, cirugía abdominal previa o histerectomía, uso de omentoplastia u ostomía. Los pacientes que fracasaron eran más propensos a ser fumadores (60.0% versus a 12.8%; p = 0.03). LIMITACIONES: Las limitaciones incluyen el diseño retrospectivo y la falta de poder. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía es efectiva para lograr el cierre exitoso de la fístula colovaginal diverticular. Se debe aconsejar a los fumadores a parar de fumar antes de embarcarse en una reparación electiva. Mientras el uso de desviación fecal y pedículos omentales no se correlacionó con el éxito, deberían utilizarse cuando sea clínicamente apropiado. Consulte el Video del Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A983.

Urethrovaginal Fistula: A Rare Complication Secondary To Impacted Foreign Body In Vagina.

We report a case of urethrovaginal fistula following impacted foreign body in vagina. Fistula was suspected on the basis of history and examination and was later on confirmed by voiding cystourethrogram. Cystourethroscopy was done and the fistula was repaired transvaginally in layers. We are reporting this case because of its rarity.

Post-traumatic bony impingement into vagina: a rare cause of urethrovaginal fistula.

A 22-year-old woman met with road traffic accident 6 months back following which she underwent exploratory laparotomy with intraperitoneal bladder rupture repair. She presented with urethrovaginal fistula due to a fragment of fractured pubic bone impinging into the anterior vaginal wall. The findings were confirmed on CT scan and cystoscopy. The patient was managed with removal of the bony spicule and transvaginal repair of urethrovaginal fistula with Martius fat pad interposition.

Persistent Vaginal Leakage in the Setting of an Apical Vaginal Sinus Tract: A Case Report.

Fistulas are defined as abnormal connections between 2 organ, vessels, or structures. They can often present in the genitourinary tract as a result of iatrogenic injury during pelvic surgery. A 46-year-old female presents many years after a hysterectomy for persistent vaginal leakage with concern for a vesicovaginal fistula. Computed tomography urogram, intravenous retrograde pyelogram, and cystoscopy were negative for vesicovaginal fistula; however, a vaginal sinus tract was noted and further explored. This case report will describe the use of both laparoscopy and concomitant vaginoscopy to diagnose and, ultimately, surgically excise a salpingovaginal fistula.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic concepts for vesicovaginal and ureterovaginal fistulas]. / Diagnostik und Therapie vesikovaginaler und ureterovaginaler Fisteln.

BACKGROUND: Vesico- and ureterovaginal fistulas are defined as abnormal connections between the urinary tract, on the one side, and the female genital system, on the other. Despite being highly prevalent as an acquired pathology of the urogenital system, there has as yet been no standardized protocol in place for diagnosing and treating these fistulas. This review analyses the current literature concerning vesico- and ureterovaginal fistulas in order to profile common diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. METHODS: Literature research was carried out using the data bases of Medline and PubMed. A general internet research was added as well as the subsequent analysis of textbooks. Subsequently 40 scientific publications, four textbooks and one internet source were consulted. RESULTS: In the diagnostic process of not only vesicovaginal, but also ureterovaginal fistulas a timely vaginal examination followed by a cystoscopy and further imaging by retrograde vaginal methylene blue instillation should be carried out. In order to further the differential diagnosis of ureterovaginal fistulas in particular, additional imaging techniques may be required. However, the therapies of both fistulas manifest essential differences. Ureterovaginal fistulas are closed in a two-stage procedure. At first, a percutaneous nephrostomy is placed to decompress the renal collecting system and further drain the urine, followed by a second intervention, which closes the fistula. The management of vesicovaginal fistulas includes both conservative and surgical concepts, the latter of which may in turn be divided into a transabdominal and/or a transvaginal approach. Essentially, transabdominal fistula surgery should, at first, include the identification of the orifices of both ureters to subsequently splint them as indicated. This should be followed by the excision of the fistula. In the case of large fistulas a flap reconstruction of the area may be considered after the mobilisation of the surrounding tissue. Despite almost all surgical techniques leading to successful outcomes, patients with radiogenic damage to the area might require an alternative form of urinary drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Industrial and developing countries continue to display significant differences in the etiology of fistulas as well as the operative treatment. The therapeutic concepts in place exhibit high success rates irrespecitve of the surgical approach and should be individually developed in accordance with the etiology, location and size of the fistula as well as the condition of the surrounding tissue.

The association between female genital fistula symptoms and gender-based violence: A multicountry secondary analysis of household survey data.

OBJECTIVE: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which include standardised questions on female genital fistula symptoms, provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the epidemiology of fistula. This study sought to examine associations between self-reported fistula symptoms and experience of gender-based violence (GBV) among women interviewed in DHS surveys. METHODS: This study used data from thirteen DHS surveys with standardised fistula and domestic violence modules. Data from the most recent survey in each country were pooled, weighting each survey equally. Multivariable logistic regressions controlled for maternal and demographic factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of fistula symptoms in this sample of 95 625 women ranges from 0.3% to 1.8% by country. The majority of women reporting fistula symptoms (56%) have ever experienced physical violence, and more than one-quarter have ever experienced sexual violence (27%), compared with 38% and 13% among women with no symptoms, respectively. Similarly, 16% of women with fistula symptoms report recently experiencing sexual violence-twice the percentage among women not reporting symptoms (8%). Women whose first experience of sexual violence was from a non-partner have almost four times the odds of reporting fistula symptoms compared with women who never experienced sexual violence. These associations indicate a need to investigate temporal and causal relationships between violence and fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of physical and sexual violence among women with fistula symptoms suggests that fistula programmes should incorporate GBV into provider training and services.

Vaginal tumor-vesical fistula detected by dynamic fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A case report.

Preoperative fistulas are rare in patients with bladder mucosa-invading gynecological tumors. This is the first reported case of a vesico-vaginal fistula identified using 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in a patient with vaginal cancer. A 61-year-old woman with vaginal cancer underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for assessment of the mass and lymph nodes. Assessment was difficult because overlap of FDG uptake occurred on 18F-FDG-PET/CT images obtained 60min after FDG injection. However, dynamic 18F-FDG-PET/CT clearly indicated the presence of a vaginal tumor-vesical fistula. This case illustrates the usefulness of dynamic 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging when assessing a vesico-vaginal fistula.

Management of colovesical and colovaginal diverticular fistulas Our experience and literature reviewed.

AIM: This study aims evaluate the effectiveness of various surgical techniques in treating diverticular fistulas, and the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic procedure comparing our results with those of the literature. MATERIAL OF STUDY: This was a prospective and uncontrolled study performed at a general surgery units. Between 2005 and 2011, 16 patients (11 men, 5 women) underwent surgery for diverticular fistulas. The mean age was 70.2 (range, 35-87) years. The medical evaluation of these patients was based on symptoms and diagnostic procedures confirming the diagnosis of diverticular fistulas. Our surgical options included one-stage, two-stage, and defunctioning procedures. RESULTS: Out of 16 cases of diverticular fistula 14 were colovesical and 2 colovaginal. One-stage procedure was performed in 12 patients, two-stage procedure in 3 and defunctioning colostomy in 1. The overall complication rate was 31.2%. We recorded 1 colovesical recurrent fistula. The laparoscopic surgery was performed in 4 patients, nobody was converted to open and there were no post-operative complications and recurrence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The data show that one-stage procedure is effective in the majority of cases of diverticular fistulas. However, the surgery of colovesical and colovaginal fistulas is often associated to high complication rates. This is often due to the shoddy clinical conditions and long-term diverticular illness of this group of patients. At present, the laparoscopy in an elective setting is not considered any more a contraindication in the treatment of diverticular fistulas. KEY WORDS: Diverticular fistulas, Laparoscopic surgery.

Repair of Urethrovaginal Fistula Secondary to Pelvic Fracture With a Labia Minora Skin Flap in Young Girls.

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transpubic access using a pedicle flap from the labia minora for urethral reconstruction in young girls with urethrovaginal fistula secondary to pelvic fracture. Between January 2011 and January 2016, 4 cases of traumatic urethrovaginal fistula in young girls were treated using a pedicle flap from the labia minora. The mean follow-up was 27 months. All patients voided well and achieved normal urinary control. One patient had recurrent urethrovaginal fistula. The remaining 3 patients required no additional treatment. A labia minora skin flap for urethral reconstruction in young girls with urethrovaginal fistula secondary to pelvic fractures is a reliable technique.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Pelvic Fistulae in Women.

Pelvic fistulae are an abnormal communication among the genitourinary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the vagina or perineum. Genital tract fistulae have been described in the medical literature for the past several thousand years. Advancements in both the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal fistulae have been obtained over the past century as surgical interventions have become safer and surgical techniques have improved. The most common cause of fistulae worldwide is obstructed labor. In developed countries, fistulae most commonly occur after benign gynecologic surgery, but obstructed labor, malignancy, radiation exposure, and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause fistulae. Fistulae significantly affect quality of life. Diagnostic studies and radiologic imaging can help aid the diagnosis, but a thorough physical examination is the most important component in the evaluation and diagnosis of a fistula. Temporizing treatments are available to help ease patient suffering until surgical management can be performed. Surgical repairs can be performed using an abdominal, vaginal, or transanal approach. Although technically challenging, surgical repair is usually successful, but closure of the fistula tract does not guarantee continence of urine or feces, because there is often underlying damage to the bowel and bladder.

[Ureterovaginal fistula after caesarean: Diagnosis and management in a resource-constrained hospital in Togo]. / La fistule urétérovaginale après césariennes : diagnostic et traitement dans un hôpital à ressources limitées au Togo.

The purpose of this study is to describe a simple, non-expensive, accessible and effective technique of ureterovaginal fistula diagnosis, and to assess the results of surgical management in a resource-constrained hospital. During a campaign of obstetric fistulas repair, we diagnosed ureterovaginal fistulas by vaginal exam with the blue methylene test associated to abdominal ultrasonography, two simple and non-expensive explorations which permitted to identify ureterovaginal fistula and to do differential diagnosis with vesicovaginal fistula. The management was surgery, by ureterovesical reimplantation. Four ureterovaginal fistulas have been diagnosed in 32 women presented with obstetrical fistula. The mean age of those fistulas was 4.85 years; it was located on the left ureter in three cases, on the right in one case. The ureteral lesion was consecutive to a caesarean section in all patients and sited on the pelvic segment of ureter. In three patients, diagnosis was performed by the negativity of the blue test and unilateral dilation of ureter and kidney while the discovery was done during the treatment of vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas associated in the last patient. After effects of surgery were simple, characterized by disappearance of urine leakage and dilation of ureter kidney. In resources-constrained context, techniques such as blue test and ultrasonography are enough to perform diagnosis of ureterovaginal fistula. Ureterovesical reimplantation is an effective therapeutic method for diagnosing ureterovaginal fistula.

Congenital urethrovaginal fistula with transverse vaginal septum.

Congenital urethrovaginal fistula is an extremely rare genitourinary anomaly. Literature search identified only five reported cases, all of which were associated with urogenital abnormalities. Transverse vaginal septum is another rare condition, resulting from abnormalities in the vertical fusion between the vaginal components of the Mullerian ducts and the urogenital sinus; and associated fistulous connection of the vagina with the urethra is even rarer. Herein we describe the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with dyspareunia, and a 1-year history of infertility, who was found to have a urethrovaginal fistula with low transverse vaginal septum. The patient was successfully treated with excision of the septum and closure of the urethrovaginal fistula.

Colovaginal Fistulas: Presentation, Evaluation, and Management.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review a single institution's experience with colovaginal fistulas to provide guidance toward identification and management of this problem. METHODS: Patients with colovaginal fistulas treated by 2 senior surgeons between January 1, 1990, and June 31, 2011, were identified. A retrospective chart review was then performed to determine presenting characteristics and history, evaluation for the fistulas, and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were identified. The mean age was 63.5 years and median parity of 2. 37% complained of flatus per vagina, 89% reported stool per vagina, and 68% noted vaginal discharge. Ninety-five percent had previously undergone hysterectomy. The fistulas were identified at the left vaginal apex in 90% of the subjects. Self-reported history and/or operative findings suggested diverticulitis as the most common etiology (79% of the subjects). All subjects underwent sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis, with complete symptom resolution in 84%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with colovaginal fistulas commonly present for primary evaluation by gynecologists. A triad of symptoms and history should trigger a high index of suspicion for colovaginal fistulas: (1) complaints of stool or flatus per vagina or foul-smelling vaginitis resistant to treatment, (2) previous hysterectomy, and (3) history of diverticulitis. The fistulas can often be visualized on speculum examination at the left vaginal apex. Rolling the patient from left to right lateral decubitus positions during a contrast enema study can improve its sensitivity. Repair of colovaginal fistulas via rectosigmoid resection and primary reanastomosis is safe and effective. We recommend multidisciplinary management involving colorectal surgery and gynecology.

Association between parity and fistula location in women with obstetric fistula: a multivariate regression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare primiparous and multiparous women who develop obstetric fistula (OF) and to assess predictors of fistula location. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Fistula Care Centre at Bwaila Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi. POPULATION: Women with OF who presented between September 2011 and July 2014 with a complete obstetric history were eligible for the study. METHODS: Women with OF were surveyed for their obstetric history. Women were classified as multiparous if prior vaginal or caesarean delivery was reported. The location of the fistula was determined at operation: OF involving the urethra, bladder neck, and midvagina were classified as low; OF involving the vaginal apex, cervix, uterus, and ureters were classified as high. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic information was compared between primiparous and multiparous women using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Multivariate logistic regression models were implemented to assess the relationship between variables of interest and fistula location. RESULTS: During the study period, 533 women presented for repair, of which 452 (84.8%) were included in the analysis. The majority (56.6%) were multiparous when the fistula formed. Multiparous women were more likely to have laboured <1 day (62.4 versus 44.5%, P < 0.001), delivered a live-born infant (26.8 versus 17.9%, P = 0.026), and have a high fistula location (37.5 versus 11.2%, P < 0.001). Multiparity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27-9.12)] and history of caesarean delivery (aOR = 4.11, 95% CI 2.45-6.89) were associated with development of a high fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparity was common in our cohort, and these women were more likely to have a high fistula. Additional research is needed to understand the aetiology of high fistula including potential iatrogenic causes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Multiparity and caesarean delivery were associated with a high tract fistula in our Malawian cohort.

Tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy: a diagnostic technique for the assessment of colovaginal fistula.

AIM: Colovaginal fistula (CVF) has a negative impact on quality of life. Identifying the fistula track is a critical step in its management. In a subset of patients, localizing the fistula preoperatively can be difficult. The purpose of this report is to describe the technique and results of tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy (TVC). METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients referred to a tertiary centre with symptoms suggestive of CVF but no prior successful localization of a fistula. TVC was performed by one colorectal surgeon in the endoscopy suite under intravenous sedation. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2013, 18 patients (median age 58 years) underwent TVC. CVF was ruled out in three patients. In the remaining 15 patients, TVC documented the fistula in 13. In eight cases a wire was passed through the fistulous track from the vagina to the colon, in three the track was large enough to be traversed with the endoscope and in two a fistulous opening was noted on the vaginal side but passage of a wire to localize the opening on the colonic side was not possible due to extensive scarring. No TVC-related complications were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for TVC in detecting CVF were 86.7%, 100%, 100% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TVC is a useful technique that can localize the fistulous track in most patients with CVF.