A Ureterovaginal Fistula is usually the result of ureter damage, often due to surgical procedures, trauma, or infections. The most common reasons for this injury are:

• Surgical complications: During surgeries like hysterectomy or pelvic surgeries, the ureter can be accidentally damaged.
• Childbirth trauma: Difficult or prolonged labor, particularly when forceps or a vacuum extractor is used, can cause injury to the ureter.
• Radiation therapy: Previous pelvic radiation can weaken the tissue and lead to the formation of a fistula.
• Pelvic infections: Infections that affect the pelvic organs can lead to the formation of abnormal connections between the ureter and the vagina.

A Vesicovaginal Fistula occurs when an unnatural opening develops between the bladder and vagina, leading to continuous urine leakage. The primary causes include:

• Difficult childbirth: The most common cause, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare. Prolonged or obstructed labor can cause pressure on the bladder, leading to a tear.
• Pelvic surgeries: Surgeries such as hysterectomy, removal of pelvic tumors, or prostate surgeries can inadvertently injure the bladder and cause a fistula.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation treatments for pelvic cancers can damage the bladder tissue and lead to fistula formation.
• Infections: Severe pelvic infections, like tuberculosis or chronic inflammation, can weaken the bladder and vagina, resulting in a fistula.

You may have a UVF or VVF if you’re experiencing symptoms like:

• Uncontrolled urine leakage from the vagina, especially after pelvic surgery or childbirth.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that don’t seem to go away.
• Pain during urination or unusual changes in urinary flow.
• Urine leakage during sexual intercourse or physical activity. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may conduct tests such as cystoscopy, imaging studies (like CT or MRI scans), or dye tests to observe the abnormal connections.

While Laparoscopic surgery is the most common and preferred method of repairing UVF and VVF, it is not the only option. Some other treatment approaches include:

• Open surgery: If laparoscopic repair isn’t an option, open surgery may be recommended for fistula correction.
• Conservative treatment: If the fistula is small or if the patient’s health does not allow surgery, other methods like catheterization or temporary stenting may be considered, though surgery is the definitive treatment.

The success rate of Laparoscopic UVF/VVF Repair is very high, often exceeding 90%. The success rate depends on several factors, including:

• The size and location of the fistula.
• Whether the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.
• The patient’s overall health and medical history. While laparoscopic repair is highly effective, there is always a small risk of complications, and it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions for the best outcome.

The duration of laparoscopic UVF/VVF repair generally varies between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s anatomy. During the procedure, a laparoscope is inserted to guide the surgeon in making precise repairs, which helps minimize damage to surrounding tissues and ensures a faster recovery.

During laparoscopic repair, only 2 to 4 small incisions are made in the abdominal area for the procedure. Through these small openings, a camera (laparoscope) and other specialized tools are used to repair the fistula with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This advanced surgical approach results in quicker healing, reduced discomfort, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

The time it takes to return to normal activities after Laparoscopic UVF/VVF Repair depends on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery and your individual healing process. Typically, most patients can resume their regular activities after 4 to 6 weeks.