Impact of vesicovaginal fistula repair on urinary and sexual function: patient-reported outcomes over long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: While the anatomical closure rates of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) following transabdominal (TA) and transvaginal (TV) repairs seem comparable, studies comparing urinary and sexual outcomes following successful repair are lacking. We aimed to report patient-reported outcomes on sexual and urinary functions after long-term follow-up with successful repair. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 81 women who had successful VVF repair at our institute. Pre-, intra- and post-operative details were retrieved from electronic data software. Patient-reported sexual and urinary function outcomes were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), respectively, at last follow-up. We also compared such outcomes among TA and TV repairs. RESULTS: Of 81 women, 28 (34.6%) had TA and 53 (65.4%) had TV repairs. Mean age was 37.5 years and mean fistula diameter was 12.9 mm. The most common aetiology was hysterectomy. Thirty-three patients (40.7%) had previous failed repairs. At a mean follow-up of 29.8 months, 24 (34.3%) women had sexual dysfunction and 15 (18.5%) women experienced urinary dysfunction. The TA and TV groups had comparable mean FSFI scores (28.7 ± 6.1 vs. 30.9 ± 5.2, p = 0.13) and ICIQ-SF scores (0.7 ± 1.7 vs. 0.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.59). In multivariate analysis, fistula size and site were significant predictors of urinary dysfunction whereas multiparity was the most significant predictor of sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual and urinary dysfunction is found in a considerable number of women after VVF repair. However, our data suggest comparable long-term sexual and continence outcomes between TA and TV repairs.

"Stalagnate in Bladder": Synechiae Post Anti-Incontinence Surgery in Women.

Background: Anti-incontinence suspension procedures in women include Burch colposuspension or needle suspension procedures. Even though bladder injury is a known complication of any needle urethral or colposuspension procedure in women, it is rare. Delayed presentation may occur with lower urinary tract symptoms or hematuria. However, synechiae formations in bladder have rarely been reported. In this study, we report two cases presenting late with synechiae formation inside the bladder as a result of the suspension suture actually passing through the bladder and thus sewing the posterior and anterior walls of bladder together. Case Presentation: Two ladies presented late after Burch colposuspension with nonresolving urinary symptoms. Both these ladies demonstrated a "smiley bladder sign" caused by a filling defect on cystogram. Cystoscopy revealed a synechial pillar attaching the anterior and the posterior walls, reminiscent of stalagnate-like column in the bladder cavity in both cases. Both cases were managed endoscopically with laser incision avoiding injury to the ureteral orifices. Conclusion: A rare previously undescribed complication of Burch colposuspension and its typical appearance on cystogram is reported along with its endoscopic management. These cases highlight the use of intraoperative cystoscopy to prevent such complications.

Bladder pseudodiverticulum and debilitating dyspareunia: diagnostic and management dilemmas of a rare case.

Dyspareunia in a woman often lacks a well-defined cause with complex etiology. Similarly wide-mouthed nonobstructive bladder diverticula are mostly managed conservatively with no single etiology. Herein a rare case of dyspareunia and urinary symptoms is described, which started following a lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Ultrasonography, micturating cystogram, and cystoscopy revealed a large wide-mouthed bladder diverticulum. After 3 years of failed and varied conservative therapy and management dilemmas, exploration was done for diverticulectomy which revealed a diagnostic surprise. A post-LSCS thick adhesive band was found between the uterus and anterior abdominal wall as a direct cause for both the bladder diverticulum and dyspareunia. Adhesions after LSCS may cause varied symptoms which may be difficult to diagnose and leave the patient refractory to conservative therapy. Laparoscopy or exploration may be useful in such cases.