A VVF repair is a standard surgical procedure for patients with a fistula between the urinary bladder and vaginal vault. A fistula is a pathological opening or connection between two parts of your body. VVF is a type of female urogenital fistula that opens between the vagina and urinary bladder. This can lead to irregular urinal flow in the vaginal area and affect the patient’s psychological well-being. A laparoscopic VVF repair is the most common method for managing VVF.
How is VVF repair performed?
Before surgery: As soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will give all the necessary information before the procedure. The patient will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. If the patient is taking any medications, she should disclose it to the physician.
During surgery: The procedure begins with administering general anaesthesia to the patient. . A scope may be inserted through the urethra to examine the location offistula. The surgeon will make an incision around the fistula to repair it. The outer membranes of the vagina and bladder will be separated, and the surgeon will suture the wound back together. Bandages soaked in antibiotic medication may be placed on the vagina to prevent infection.
After surgery: A catheter is required for proper bladder outflow. Following the surgery, the patient will be observed for a while. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient is advised not to do any strenuous physical activities until fully recovered. Any abnormal discharge or bleeding from the vagina should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Cost of VVF Repair
The cost of surgery depends on several factors, like the complexity of the procedure and the type of approach used for surgery. The fee may also differ based on location, hospitals, and facilities.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Cost of surgery in Hyderabad |
Rs. 68931 |
|
Cost of surgery in India |
Rs. 40480 |
| Surgery details | Description |
|---|---|
|
Number of days in the hospital |
1 Day |
|
Type of surgery |
Minor |
|
Type of Anaesthesia |
General anaesthesia |
|
Number of days required to recover |
Complete recovery in 4-6 weeks |
|
Duration of the procedure |
120 Minutes |
|
Type of surgical options available |
Open or Minimally invasive |
Risks and complications of VVF Repair
Although the success rate of VVF repair is more than 85%, there are chances of some risks and complications.These include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Secondary infection
- Ureteric injury
- Bladder spasms
- Vaginal bleeding
- In some cases, it may lead to the formation of bladder stones
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Recurrent fistula
References
- https://gynecolsurg.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s10397-015-0913-5
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fistula-surgery#causes
- https://healthcare.utah.edu/urology/conditions/vesico-vaginal-fistula.php
- https://mft.nhs.uk/app/uploads/sites/4/2018/04/Vesico-Vaginal-Fistula-January-2018.pdf
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn10138
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
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Frequently Asked Questions about VVF Repair
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after a successful VVF repair surgery. Many researchers found that although normal delivery is complicated in such cases, caesarean section and other treatment options are available. However, it is advised to consult the gynaecologist before conceiving.
A VVF repair is always performed under general anaesthesia. So there is no pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, some pain may be felt after the surgery. Often, the surgeon will prescribe pain medications beforehand to minimise the discomfort.
A bladder fistula is typically formed when there is a hole or tunnel-shaped opening between the urinary bladder and other body parts, mainly either in the vagina or the bowel. However, this fistula cannot heal on its own. A small vesicovaginal fistula can be managed with a catheter.
Different kinds of pathological fistulas can develop in the body. Although constipation cannot lead to vesicovaginal fistulas, other anal fistulas can result from constipation. This typically occurs due to an injury during constipation.
Various factors contribute to the successful completion of a VVF repair, including surgical intervention, preoperative evaluation, exposure of the fistula and surrounding tissues, tension-free closure, excision of all fibrotic tissue, and sufficient postoperative maintenance. With the advancement in technology and techniques in medical science, the recurrence rate of a VVF has been reduced. However, in rare cases, a fistula can come back.
The bowel movement after rectovaginal surgery can be of some concern. For 1-2 weeks, you may experience pain or discomfort while pooping. Drink plenty of water and eat fibrous food, or ask ther doctor to prescribe a stool softener or laxative. However, After a VVF Repair surgery, no special precautions are required.
It is usually preferred to use a minimally invasive method to close the fistula for faster recovery. More invasive surgery, such as opening the bladder from the abdomen, requires a much more extended recovery period. Simple closure with minimum injury to the surrounding tissue will result in a quicker and better recovery. Also, follow the doctor’s instructions very carefully. Avoid any strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse. And most importantly, take complete bed rest.
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