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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Laparoscopic Extravesical Lich-Gregoir Ureteroneocystostomy with Psoas Hitch for the Management of Ureterovaginal Fistula in Post-Hysterectomy Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Most commonly ureterovaginal fistula occurs due to surgical injury inflicted to the distal ureter and because of gynaecological procedures. Open surgical repair is a standard procedure and commonly involves ureteroneocystostomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 9 patients, who underwent laparoscopic extravesical Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy using the psoas hitch procedure for ureterovaginal fistulas following hysterectomy during the period December 2012-August 2014. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed in all cases. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 212 min (range 170-310) and estimated blood loss was 108 ml (range 70-150). Average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Follow-up time was from 6 to 26 months. Postoperative intravenous urography was done after 3 months, which showed patent anastomosis in 8 patients except for 1 patient who had nonvisualization of the ipsilateral renal moiety. Voiding cystogram done at 3 months showed no leakage in all patients. In the postoperative period, 1 patient had recurrent ipsilateral pyelonephritis 2 weeks after surgery, while another patient had febrile UTI. Apart from these no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch can be performed safely with a success rate compared to that of open surgery but with less morbidity and quick convalescence.

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.

Case report: diagnosis and management of peritoneovaginal fistula.

Fallopian tube vaginal fistula, a form of peritoneovaginal fistula, is an uncommon cause of persistent vaginal leakage after hysterectomy. Fallopian tube vaginal fistula resulting in peritoneal leakage has been reported in conjunction with a prolapsed fimbria. Herein is presented a case of fallopian tube vaginal fistula without a visibly prolapsed tubal fimbria. The patient was a 43-year-old woman with a 6-year history of cyclic vaginal leakage with onset shortly after vaginal hysterectomy. Examination using a vaginal speculum revealed a clear vaginal fluid but no distinct lesion or mass in the vagina, and bimanual examination did not reveal a vesicovaginal or ureterovaginal fistula. Laparoscopic surgical exploration revealed a densely adherent fallopian tube attached to the vaginal cuff, forming a fallopian tube vaginal fistula.

Ureterovaginal fistula after insertion of a McDonald suture: Case report and review of published reports.

Complications associated with cerclage that are commonly described in the existing published reports include injuries to the cervix or bladder, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis and bleeding. We report an unusual complication of a ureterovaginal fistula formation after the insertion of a McDonald suture.

Predicting women at risk for developing obstetric fistula: a fistula index? An observational study comparison of two cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain if a predictor of obstructed labour and obstetric fistula (OF) occurrence could be devised. DESIGN: Observational study of two cohorts. SETTING: Selian Lutheran Mission Hospital, Arusha, Tanzania and Aberdeen Women's Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone. POPULATION: All women presenting with OF caused by obstructed labour and all women having a normal vaginal delivery (NVD) at both institutions were eligible for the study. METHODS: All women with OF and those delivering normally had their height in centimetres measured and their intertuberous space measured by the number of examiner's knuckles admitted. The dimensions for OF and normal delivery were examined individually and multiplied to gain a 'fistula index'. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Dimensions and index were compared statistically between OF and NVD women using t tests. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values from receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained for predicting OF. RESULTS: There were statistical differences between the groups with OF women being significantly shorter, having a smaller intertuberous space and lower fistula index than those undergoing NVD (each P < 0.001). Sensitivity was high for fistula index ≤ 507.5 (94.9%, 95% confidence interval 83.1-98.6%) and for intertuberous space of at least three knuckles (92.3%, 95% CI 79.7-97.3%) alone. CONCLUSIONS: A simple antenatal measurement of intertuberous space could screen those women at higher risk of needing medical intervention to prevent OF.

Diverticular disease: guidelines of the german society for gastroenterology, digestive and metabolic diseases and the german society for general and visceral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. 28-45% of the population develop colonic diverticula, while about 25% suffer symptoms and about 5% complications. AIM: To create formal guidelines for diagnosis and management. METHODS: Six working groups with 44 participants analyzed key questions in subject areas assigned to them. Following a systematic literature search, 451 publications were included. Consensus was obtained by agreement within the working groups, two Delphi processes and a guideline conference. RESULTS: Targeted management of diverticular disease requires a classificatory diagnosis. A new classification was created. In addition to the clinical examination, intestinal ultrasound or computed tomography is the determining factor. Interval colonoscopy is recommended to exclude comorbidities. A low-fiber diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and immunosuppression have an adverse impact on diverticulosis. This can lead to diverticulitis. Antibiotics are no longer recommended in uncomplicated diverticulitis if no risk factors such as immunosuppression are present. If close monitoring is ensured, uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated on an outpatient basis. Complicated diverticulitis should be treated in hospital, involving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, where necessary abscess drainage, and surgery, if possible laparoscopically. In the case of chronic relapsing diverticulitis, the risk of perforation decreases with each episode, so that surgery is no longer recommended after the second episode but only following individual assessment. CONCLUSIONS: New findings on diverticular disease call into question the overuse of antibiotics and excessive indications for surgery. Targeted treatment requires a precise diagnosis and intensive interdisciplinary cooperation.

Ureterovaginal fistula: a case series.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We describe the presentation, diagnosis, and management of ureterovaginal fistula over a 7-year period at a tertiary care center. METHODS: A retrospective review of ureterovaginal fistula cases between 2003 and 2011 was performed. Demographic information, antecedent event, symptoms, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies were reviewed. RESULTS: Nineteen ureterovaginal fistulas were identified during the 7-year study period. One fistula followed a repeat cesarean section and 18 fistulas followed a hysterectomy (9 total abdominal, 6 total laparoscopic, 3 vaginal hysterectomies). Ureteral injuries were not recognized in any of the patients at the time of index surgery. Computed tomography (CT) urography was the most commonly utilized diagnostic modality (58%). Primary non-surgical management with ureteral stents was attempted and successful in 5 out of 7 cases (71%). There were 14 total surgical repairs, including 2 cases in which stents were successfully placed, but the fistula persisted, and 6 additional cases where attempted stent placement failed. Surgical repair consisted of 10 ureteroneocystostomies performed via laparotomy and 4 performed laparoscopically, 3 of which were robotically assisted. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being uncommon, ureterovaginal fistula should remain in the differential diagnosis of new post-operative urinary incontinence after gynecological surgery. Conservative management with ureteral stent appears to be the best initial approach in selected patients, with a success rate of 71%. Minimally invasive approaches to performing ureteroneocystostomy have high success rates, comparable to those of open surgical repair.

Ureterovaginal fistula resulting from uterine dilatation and curettage for an incomplete abortion: a case report.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This is to highlight the case of a multi-gravida who developed ureterovaginal urinary fistula following dilatation and curettage. It is necessary to document the possibility of this injury from the common procedure of D&C. CASE REPORT: This is an unusual occurrence of ureterovaginal fistula resulting from D&C for an incomplete abortion in a patient who had urinary incontinence for 16 years and carried three pregnancies to terms while this lasted. Uretero-neocystostomy achieved cure in this patient. CONCLUSION: Dilatation and curettage though a common procedure is subject to complications which may make life of the patient miserable especially in this sub region, therefore should be carried out by only trained and skilled hands.

Colovaginal and colovesical fistulae: the diagnostic paradigm.

BACKGROUND: Colovaginal and colovesical fistulae (CVF) are relatively uncommon conditions, most frequently resulting from diverticular disease or colorectal cancer. A high suspicion of a CVF can usually be obtained from an accurate clinical history. Demonstrating CVF radiologically is often challenging, and patients frequently undergo a multitude of investigations prior to definitive management. The aim of this study was to develop an algorithm for the investigation of suspected CVF in order to improve diagnosis and subsequent management. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients from a single NHS Trust with a diagnosis of colovaginal or colovesical fistula were included in the study. Clinical records and imaging were reviewed retrospectively, and data on demographics, symptoms, investigations, management and outcome were collated. RESULTS: A total of 87.5% patients with a colovesical fistula presented with pathognomic symptoms of faecaluria or pneumaturia. The commonest aetiologies were diverticular disease (72.9%), colonic and gynaecological neoplasia (10.8% each). Computerised tomography (CT) was the most frequently performed investigation (91.9%) and was most sensitive in detecting the fistula (76.5%) and underlying aetiology (94.1%). Colonoscopy was most sensitive in detecting an underlying colonic malignancy (100%). Resectional surgery was performed in 62.1% of cases, although morbidity and 1-year mortality was significant, with rates of 21.7 and 17.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of CVF is predominately a clinical one, and patients with a suspected CVF are over-investigated. Investigations should be focused on determining aetiology rather than demonstrating the fistulous tract itself. We propose that, in the majority of cases, CT and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy should suffice.

Ureterovaginal fistula--etiological factors and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the etiological factors and the outcome of ureterovaginal fistula in an urban setting. METHODS: The observational study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2009 to January 2011. All the patients of uretero-vaginal fistula at the centre were included on the basis of non-probability purposive sampling. The etiology, clinical presentation and the investigative procedures were recorded. The operative modality contemplated was noted and post-operative results were evaluated. The data was entered in a structured proforma and analysed for descriptive statistics using SPSS version 14.0. RESULTS: Seventeen cases of ureterovaginal fistula were recorded. Amongst these 10 (58.8%) were post-hysterectomy, while 7 (41.1%) cases post-caesarean section. The emergency procedures performed by the residents/junior registrars contributed 12 (70.2%) of the cases. All these patients were treated surgically; 14 (82.3%) were managed with ureteroneocystostomy, 2 (11.7%) required Boari Flap reconstruction, and in psoas hitch was performed in 1 (5.8%) case. The time of intervention was 4 - 12 weeks (9.76 +/- 2.223). Post-operatively, only 1 (5.8%) case had superficial wound infection and 1 (5.8%) urinary tract infection. All the patients remained dry with a follow-up period of 3 - 24 months (mean 12.24 +/- 6.879). CONCLUSION: Ureterovaginal fistula is one of the complications of emergency procedures, especially in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention produce excellent results. Intervention can be done safely as early as 4 weeks after the initiation of the condition.

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.

An update on surgery for vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistulae.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review offers a comprehensive summary of the recent publications on the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula. Most reports are related to obstetric fistula in the developing world but in the developed world fistula treatment remains a challenge. RECENT FINDINGS: The quality of the research in this field is improving. Efforts are being made to improve the classification of fistula as a prognostic tool. Surgical innovations are few in this field. Laparoscopic approaches are reported but only on a very limited amount of patients. SUMMARY: The surgical management of fistula remains a two-track item: the gigantic experience on obstetric fistula of fistula surgeons in Africa and Asia and the limited experience of some Western centres with mostly a small series of iatrogenic fistula. Advances are made in both worlds. The previously isolated fistula surgeons are now better organized and they stimulate scientific research in countries with very limited resources. The centres in the developed world explore new surgical approaches such as laparoscopy and minimally invasive treatments.

A neglected shelf pessary resulting in a urethrovaginal fistula.

Vaginal pessaries are safe, simple and effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. However, they must be fitted and followed-up correctly as serious complications can arise when pessaries are neglected. In this case report, we present the first reported case of a urethrovaginal fistula due to a neglected shelf pessary.