Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges
Issued Date
2023-11-03
Resource Type
eISSN
16489144
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85177736932
Pubmed ID
38003996
Journal Title
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
Volume
59
Issue
11
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Vol.59 No.11 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Chinthakanan O., Sirisreetreerux P., Saraluck A. Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Vol.59 No.11 (2023). doi:10.3390/medicina59111947 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/91308
Title
Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) are an abnormal communication between the vagina and bladder and the most common type of acquired genital fistulas. This review will address the prevalence, impact, and management challenges of VVFs. Materials and Methods: Epidemiologic studies examining VVFs are considered. In addition, publications addressing the treatment of VVFs are reviewed. Results: VVFs in developing countries are often caused by obstructed labor, while most VVFs in developed countries have iatrogenic causes, such as hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and infection. The reported prevalence of VVFs is approximately 1 in 1000 post-hysterectomy patients and 1 in 1000 deliveries. VVFs affect every aspect of quality of life, including physical, mental, social, and sexual aspects. Prevention of VVFs is essential. Early diagnosis is necessary to reduce morbidity. Nutrition, infection control, and malignancy detection are important considerations during evaluation and treatment. Conservative and surgical treatment options are available; however, these approaches should be customized to the individual patient. The success rate of combined conservative and surgical treatments exceeds 90%. Conclusions: VVFs are considered debilitating and devastating. However, they are preventable and treatable; key factors include the avoidance of prolonged labor, careful performance of gynecologic surgery, and early detection.