That abnormal connection in vesico-vaginal fistulae
A vesico-vaginal fistula is an abnormal fistulous tract (connection) between the bladder (vesico) and the vagina that leads to the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vagina, says Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Dhammike Silva.
This “abnormal connection” may link the bladder to the vagina (vesico-vaginal fistula) or the ureter to the vagina (uretero-vaginal fistula) causing urinary seepage, it is learnt, while there could also be an abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina (recto-vaginal fistula) which would result in a leakage of faeces.
Explaining that vaginal fistulae are embarrassing because they leak and emanate a bad odour, Dr. Silva says that very often it is caused by tissue damage.
“Such tissue damage could be due to abdominal or vaginal surgery such as a hyster- ectomy (womb removal) or a Caesarian operation (C- section). The successful repair of a vesico-vaginal fistula through laparoscopy or keyhole surgery which is minimally invasive entails separating the vagina from the bladder, cutting off the fistula tract and repairing or patching up the organs (the bladder and the vagina) separately,” says Dr. Silva “putting it simply”.