Enhanced Proliferation and Adhesion Marker Gene Expression in Fibroblast Cells: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Non-Surgical Treatment for Urogenital Fistula.

BACKGROUND Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) due to posterior bladder wall and/or anterior vaginal wall necrosis is a condition that leads to urinary incontinence. Both microscopic and macroscopic VVFs severely impact quality of life. They are also associated with frequent recurrence after surgery. A non-surgical intervention for VVF is urgently required. A membrane bilayer could act as a mechanical tamponade and stimulate defect closure. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is an experimental study that explored the characteristics of mucoadhesive bilayer membrane complexes for non-operative treatment of VVF in vitro. We synthesized a mucoadhesive bilayer membrane, and inoculated it with cultured fibroblast cells. The mucoadhesive bilayer membrane was prepared with 3 different treatments: (1) estrogen; (2) lyophilized radiation-sterilized amnion (ALSR), a prepared amniotic membrane; and (3) arginine and glutamine (arginine+glutamine), 2 amino acids associated with wound repair. Expression levels of 3 genes, namely tumor growth factor beta (TGF-ß), lysil oxidase (LOX), and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), were measured using the Livak method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS On the fifth day after inoculation, there was no statistically significant difference in expression of the genes in the 3 conditions. However, on the tenth day, gene expression of the LOX and JAMs genes in the fibroblast cells inoculated onto the mucoadhesive bilayer membrane with arginine+glutamine was significantly higher than the expression in the fibroblast cells inoculated onto the mucoadhesive bilayer membrane with estrogen or with ALSR. CONCLUSIONS The mucoadhesive bilayer membrane complex with arginine+glutamine gave rise to the highest expression of the LOX and JAMs genes, indicating that the highest proliferation and cell adhesion were found in cells inoculated with the mucoadhesive bilayer membrane complex with arginine+glutamine.

Cumulative inflammatory burden causing multiple complications after a successful pelvic surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas may develop after pelvic metastasis of ovarian carcinoma. Purulent discharge from the vagina results in frequent vaginal or urinary tract infections, and triggers chronic inflammation. These incapacitating symptoms create serious medical and psychosocial problems, and result in low self-esteem and QoL. In this study, we present a metastatic ovarian cancer case admitted with bilateral nephrostomies, nonfunctioning colostomy, and high-volume recto- and vesicovaginal fistulas after debulking. She had frequent urinary tract infections and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Surgery was performed successfully. However, we had to deal with complications, such as electrolyte imbalance, wound infection and continuing SIRS. Cumulative inflammatory burden caused by advanced carcinoma itself and its complications creates serious medical and psychosocial problems and should be managed with patience.

Characteristics of Genitourinary Fistula in Kigali, Rwanda; 5-Year Trends.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of women presenting with genitourinary fistula over a 5-year period in Kigali, Rwanda. Genitourinary (GU) fistula is a devastating condition that can result from difficult vaginal deliveries or as a surgical complication. Rwanda has seen notable increases in cesarean section rates as a result of a successful universal health care system. It is unclear how the increase in cesarean section rates may influence the types of fistula diagnosed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of women presenting for evaluation to the International Organization for Women and Development in Kigali, Rwanda, between February 1, 2013 and October 31, 2017. Data were collected from medical records, including demographics, surgical history, physical exam findings, and surgical intervention. RESULTS: Two thousand ninety-one women presented for evaluation during the study period, of these 630 (30%) were diagnosed with GU fistula. Of the fistula diagnosed, 392 (62%) were vesicovaginal fistula, 185 (29%) were vesicouterine or vesicocervical, and 56 (9%) were ureterovaginal fistula. The percent of GU fistula that involved the ureter, uterus, and/or cervix significantly increased over the time period: 29.6% in 2013, 34.6% in 2014; 43.0% in 2015, 42.9% in 2016, and 45.3% in 2017. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the proportion of vesicouterine, vesicocervical, and ureterovaginal fistula presenting in Rwanda over the 5-year period, with the majority occurring after cesarean section.

A retrospective review to identify criteria for incorporating the Singapore flap and gracilis muscle flap into obstetric fistula repair.

OBJECTIVE: To identify criteria to guide surgeons regarding indications for use of the Singapore and gracilis muscle flaps in obstetric fistula repair. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. Obstetric fistula surgeons in Lilongwe, Malawi, have been incorporating plastic surgery techniques with the Singapore and gracilis muscle flaps since collaborating with plastic surgeons in 2016. We describe the surgical outcomes of procedures utilizing each flap individually and those using both. RESULTS: Between February 2016 and June 2019, 69 patients received a flap at the time of obstetric fistula repair at the Fistula Care Center in Lilongwe, Malawi. A total of 32 (46.4%) received a Singapore flap, 20 (29.0%) received a gracilis flap, and 17 (24.6%) received both types of flap. CONCLUSION: Based on our outcomes, we note the possible advantage of incorporating the gracilis flap even when it is thought that the Singapore flap is sufficient. However, more data are needed.

Clinical relevance and treatment outcomes of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) after obstetric and gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are consequences from obstetric and gynecologic surgery. Treatment approach from either abdominal or vaginal route have its own pros and cons. The study aims to present the anatomical, clinical and lower urinary tract symptom outcomes of women with VVF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series conducted patients with VVF. Data regarding pre-operative evaluation, surgical treatment, and post-operative follow-ups were collected. Surgical approach depended on the cause, type, number, size, location, and time of onset of the fistula. Post-operatively, foley catheter was maintained for at least 1 week with cystoscopy performed prior to removal. Follow-up evaluation included cystoscopy, bladder diary, UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaires and multi-channel urodynamic study. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients that were evaluated, 1 had spontaneous closure, 8 were repaired vaginally and 6 abdominally. Patients repaired vaginally were significantly noted to have a mean age of 50.3 ± 7.1 years with VVFs located adjacent the supra-trigone area having a mean distance of 1.7 ± 0.5 cm from the ureteric orifice. Its operative time and hospital stay were significantly shorter. In contrast, abdominally repaired patients had mean age of 38.0 ± 8.2 years and VVFs with mean distance of 0.4 ± 0.4 cm from the ureteric orifice. Post-operatively, 2 cases (14.2%, 2/14) of VVF recurrence and de novo urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) (25%, 2/8) were noted after vaginal repair and 3 cases (50%, 3/6) of concurrent ureteric injury and overactive bladder after abdominal repair. CONCLUSION: Treatment outcomes for vaginal and abdominal repair yielded good results. Though the vaginal route had higher incidence of recurrence and de novo USI, its less invasiveness, faster recovery period, and no association with post-op overactive bladder made it more preferable than the abdominal approach.

Migration of a fractured ring IUD resulting in vesicovaginal fistula and vaginal calculus.

CASE: Although many complications have been reported with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), vesicovaginal fistula with secondary vaginal stones is rare. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a vaginal discharge lasting 2 months. Two years previously, she had undergone cystoscopic lithotripsy and surgery to remove an IUD, after pelvic radiography had revealed a fractured Chinese stainless steel ring IUD with secondary vesical stones that had been the cause of her urinary tract symptoms. When she again complained of vaginal discharge, vaginal stones and a vesicovaginal fistula were found on physical examination and CT urography. The patient underwent stone removal and concurrent vesicovaginal fistula repair. IUD fragments were found in the vesicovaginal and rectovaginal spaces. No abnormalities were found at follow-up 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: In any woman undergoing surgery to remove a migrated IUD, complete exposure and removal of the IUD are necessary to avoid fracturing of the IUD, secondary breakage and residue.

Panzi score as a parsimonious indicator of urogenital fistula severity derived from Goh and Waaldijk classifications.

OBJECTIVE: To derive a comprehensive system that allows a single score to define relative fistula severity. METHODS: The present observational study included women with urogenital fistula treated at the Panzi Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo, or its outreach clinics across the Democratic Republic of Congo between September 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014. Fistula severity was assessed by Goh and Waaldijk classifications and surgical success was ascertained. Logistic regression was used to select fistula characteristics predictive of surgical failure, and to preliminarily verify the newly derived Panzi score. RESULTS: Overall, 837 women were included in the analysis. Goh or Waaldijk fistula descriptors associated with a higher probability of poor surgical outcomes in the unadjusted bivariate analysis were circumferential defect (P=0.007), proximity to the external urethral orifice (P=0.001), and size (P=0.001). These fistula characteristics were used to construct the Panzi score, which varied from 3 (most severe) to 0 (minor fistula). For each increase above 0, the odds of surgical failure increase by a factor of 1.65 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Panzi score of urogenital fistula provided a data-driven, simple, comprehensive, and parsimonious score. It could be used to report group data, to provide continuous level data for use in higher order statistics, and to resolve issues such as the cut-off point for referring women to hospital in accordance with fistula complexity.

The use of Singapore flaps for vaginal reconstruction in women with vaginal stenosis with obstetric fistula: a surgical technique.

Gynecologic and plastic surgeons collaborate to improve vaginal reconstruction for women with vaginal stenosis and obstetric fistula. As these cases occur typically in low-resource settings, the Singapore flap is a useful technique given its reliability, safety, ease of dissection, and minimal need for additional supplies. The fasciocutaneous flap maintains cutaneous innervation and vasculature and does not require stenting. The surgical collaboration has made it possible to provide functional vaginal reconstruction as a part of the overall care of obstetric fistula patients. The technique shows promise for improving sexual function for women with obstetric fistula and may also enhance healing. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Gynecologic & plastic surgeons collaborate to improve vaginal reconstruction for women with obstetric fistula.

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.

Presentation and management of vesicovaginal fistulae after delivery at a German women's hospital.

Vesicovaginal fistulae are rarely seen after childbirth in developed countries. This article deals with the causes, presentation, and management of obstetric vesicovaginal fistulae in patients treated at a German women's hospital.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula for patients with supratrigonal fistula: comparison with open transperitoneal technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the treatment outcomes of laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair (LVVFR) in patients with supratrigonal vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in contrast with open transperitoneal vesicovaginal fistula repair (OVVFR). METHODS: We analyzed 58 VVF repairs from June 2005 to July 2014, with 22 patients in the LVVFR group and 36 in the OVVFR group. Demographic parameters, operative variables, and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Patients in both groups had comparable preoperative characteristics. Significantly shorter hospital stay (5.6 vs. 13.2 days, p < 0.05) and less blood loss (52 vs. 103 ml, p < 0.05) were observed in LVVFR group. Patients in the LVVFR group achieved a higher overall VVF success rate (95.5 % vs. 83.3 %, p > 0.05) and recurrent VVF success rate (90.0 % vs. 75.0 %, p > 0.05) than OVVFR group, but it was not statistically significant. Patients who underwent OVVFR experienced more postoperative symptomatic bladder spasms (8.3 % vs. 4.5 %, p > 0.05), urinary tract infections (UTIs) (5.6 % vs. 0.0 %, p > 0.05), and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (5.6 % vs. 4.5 %, p > 0.05), but fewer incidents of postoperative ileus (0.0 % vs. 4.5 %, p > 0.05) than the LVVFR group; differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Judging from this initial trial, LVVFR should be recommended as the primary intervention to treat supratrigonal VVF patients in view of its reduced blood loss and hospital stay.

[Neoplastic Vesico-vaginal Fistula (VVF) secondary to bladder cancer: a rare entity]. / Fistule vésico-vaginale néoplasique secondaire à une tumeur de vessie: une entité rare.

Vesico-vaginal Fistula (VVF) secondary to bladder cancer is extremely rare. We report the case of a 54-year old post-menopausal patient with neoplasic Vesico-vaginal Fistula (VVF), without any surgical antecedents or recent obstetric trauma. Biopsy of the edges of the fistula confirmed urothelial carcinoma. In light of this observation, we here discuss VVF etiological forms and their different therapeutic strategies.

Which Surgical Technique Should be Preferred to Repair Benign, Primary Vesicovaginal Fistulas?

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of benign, primary vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) treated using the transabdominal transvesical technique and the transvaginal technique without tissue interposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 53 consecutive women with VVF who were treated between September 1999 and October 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with a malignant etiology and/or prior irradiation were excluded because they required a more complex repair. In the first group, the repair was performed using the transabdominal transvesical technique (n = 28). After one of our fellows had completed his urogynecology training, he began to perform the repairs using the transvaginal technique (n = 25). All included VVF patients were treated without a tissue interposition. RESULTS: Vesicovaginal fistula repair was performed in 53 patients, with a mean age of 41.4 ± 15.2 years. There was no significant difference in terms of the patients' age, fistula size, and the number of deliveries between the groups. All cases failed in terms of conservative management. The size of the fistulas ranged from 15 to 20 mm. The admission time was between 3 days and 21 years, and it was longer in less educated patients. The success rate was 96.4% (27/28) in the transabdominal transvesical group and 100% (25/25) in the transvaginal group (P = 1.00). The hospitalization period and complications were significantly reduced in the transvaginal group (P = .00 and P = .004, respectively). No patients converted from a transvaginal to a transabdominal repair. There was only one recurrence in the transabdominal transvesical group.The patients were followed up for 1 year. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal repair of benign, primary VVFs is more advantageous than transabdominal transvesical repair. There was a significant decrease in the hospitalization period and complications rates using the transvaginal technique without tissue interposition.

[Anterior pelvic exenteration. Report of a case]. / Exenteración pelvica anterior. Reporte de un caso.

Anterior pelvic exenteration is the last opportunity to control disease in a patient with cervical cancer in an advanced stage with a vesico-vaginal fistula, or in a patient with persistence of the disease and the need of improving the quality of life. In this case we present the cause of a 62 year old patient, with IVa stage cervical cancer, with bladder spread and a vesico-vaginal fistula treated with an anterior pelvic exenteration with Bricker technique and adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy.

[Evolution aspect of anatomy clinical lesions of urogenital fistula (UGF) in Cocody Teaching Hospital urological unity from 1990 to 2011]. / Aspect évolutif des lésions anatomo-cliniques des fistules urogénitales (FUG) dans le service d'urologie du CHU de Cocody de 1990 à 2011.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare anatomy pathological lesions seeing in urogenital fistula in Cocody Teaching Hospital between two decades, 1990 to 2000 and 2000 to 2010. MATERIEL AND METHOD: This survey is retrospective and carries on 20 years (January 1990 to December 2011) 190 urogenital fistulas (140 cases between 1990 and 1999; 50 from 2000 to 2011) hospitalized in our unity. Anatomy clinical characteristics of these fistulas were determined by clinical or paraclinical examination. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 1999, fistulas were classified in 20 bladder-uterine fistulas (14.29%), 16 uretro-vaginal fistulas (11.43%) and 104 bladder-vaginal fistulas (74.29%) of whom 80 isolated UGFs and 24 UGFs associated with recto-vaginal fistula. These 104 UGFs were located at: bladder neck 22 cases (21.15%), bladder trigonal 46 cases (44.23%), urethra 14 cases (13.46%). Twenty-two bladder sphincter were destroyed and represented 21.15% of fistula's bladder-vaginal fistula and 15.71% of all UGFs. The average fistula diameter was 3 cm [extremes: 1 and 12 cm]. In 22 cases (15.71%), fistula diameter was more than 10 cm. It was bladder neck and sphincter destruction. Hundred and twenty-six fistulas were isolated (90%). Only 10% (14 cases) were associated. Fistulas were primitive in 85.71% of cases (120/140), recurrent in 7 cases (7.86%) and multi-recurrent (>3 reinterventions) in 9 cases (6.43%). From 2001 to 2011, no bladder-uterine fistulas were seen, but: 6 (13.95%) isolated uretero-vaginal fistulas and 6 (13.95%) uretero-vaginal fistulas associated with bladder-vaginal fistula, 31 (62%) bladder-vaginal fistulas of whom 20 (64.52%) bladder trigonal fistulas, 6 (19.34%) retro-trigonal fistulas and 2 (6.45%) urethral fistulas. Only three (9,68%) recto-vaginal fistulas were associated. The average fistula diameter was 2 cm. The fistulas were isolated in 40 cases (80%) and associated (VVF+uretero vaginal F) in 10 cases (20%). Thirty-five cases (70%) were primitive and 10 cases (20%) recurrent of whom 5 (10%) many recurrent. Fistulas were classified in simple fistula in 7 cases (14%) and complex fistula in 43 cases (86%) CONCLUSION: UGF remained relatively frequent in Cocody Teaching Hospital, but the lesions have favorably evolved in the last decade. Simple type of fistula became more frequent than complex ones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Great vesicovaginal fistula after normal vaginal delivery in a developed country]. / Gran fístula vesicovaginal después de un parto eutócico. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric fistulas in developed countries are infrequent and have been associated with instrumental vaginal delivery, manual removal of placenta and surgical complications during caesarean section. We present the diagnosis and treatment of an obstetric fistula of patient without clear risk factors in a developed country. CASE REPORT: The case presented is of a 37 weeks pregnant with history of previous cesarean section. A male of 2,600 g was born after a not prolonged vaginal delivery. In the immediate postpartum period, appeared evident hematuria and in the exploration a defect was detected in the vaginal anterior face at 3 cm from the urethral meatus. Cystoscopy showed a torn in bladder of 8 cm at the bottom. Reparation of vesicovaginal fistula was carried out with omentoplasty. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: A vesicovaginal fistula must be considered in any patient with hematuria. Early repair is essential for a favorable outcome.

Combined vaginal and vesicoscopic collaborative repair of complex vesicovaginal fistulae.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe and demonstrate the feasibility of a minimally invasive surgical technique for the repair of complex vesicovaginal fistulae that may not be amenable to vaginal repair. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Nine cases of vesicovaginal fistulae, which were repaired laparoscopically at King's College Hospital, London and Ygia Polyclinic Private Hospital, Limassol between 2011 and 2013, were identified. The repair was carried out by direct placement of the ports into the urinary bladder (vesicoscopy). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected from a prospective database. All 9 operations were completed without any conversion to open surgery. Four ureteric reimplantations were necessary for ureteric involvement. There were no intraoperative complications but some intraoperative technical difficulties. No early postoperative complications were documented, and the hospital stay varied from 2 to 8 days. The fistula repair success rate was 89% at a median follow-up of 30 months. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique is feasible and offers an alternative approach to the classical open or laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. It supplements the vaginal approach for fistulae that are not suitable for pure vaginal approach, allowing close collaboration between the laparoscopic urologist and the vaginal surgeon.

Evaluation of the extent of ketamine-induced uropathy: the role of CT urography.

BACKGROUND: With growing ketamine abuse, ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) has become more prevalent in recent years. This research evaluates the presence, distribution and extent of KIU in the upper and lower urinary tracts by retrospectively reviewing CT urography (CTU) images. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with KIU who underwent CT scanning from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2011 were recruited. The CT protocols included three-phase CTU in six patients, split-bolus CTU in 17, two-phase CT in one and unenhanced CT in three. The CT images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients participated in this study. The common CT findings included diffuse bladder wall thickening (88.9%), small bladder volume (66.7%) and perivesical inflammation (44.4%). Twelve patients (44.4%) were diagnosed with hydronephrosis, including three patients with unilateral hydronephrosis and nine with bilateral hydronephrosis. Of these patients, nine had ureteral wall thickening (33.3%) and two (7.4%) had ureterovesical junction involvement (ie, they had hydronephrosis but no ureteral wall thickening). One patient had a ureteral obstruction because of a ureter stone. The correlation between upper urinary tract involvement and grading of the interstitial cystitis was statistically non-significant (p=0.33). Four patients (14.8%) had a vesicovaginal fistula which could be detected in the excretory phase only. CONCLUSIONS: Upper urinary tract involvement is common in patients with KIU. CTU might aid evaluation of the extent of KIU and prompt adequate management.