Management of Complex Urogenital Fistulae in the Female

Objective: To present our experience in the management of complex genitourinary fistulae in the female. Patients and Methods: Between 1995 and 2004, 12 female patients with a mean age of 30 (range 6 – 40) years were managed in our department for various types of complex genitourinary fistulae caused by difficult labor in 6 cases, abdominal hysterectomy in 5 cases and car accident in one case. All patients were subjected to clinical, radiological and endoscopic examination. The fistulae were managed by open surgery. The procedures were individualized according to the existing pathology and included bladder augmentation and construction of a bladder tube. Results: The fistulae were repaired successfully and socially acceptable continence was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: Through urological evaluation of complex urinary fistulae is recommended. The treatment should be individualized based on the existing pathology and may include bladder augmentation and construction of a bladder tube. Africain Journal of Urology Vol. 14 (2) 2008: pp. 98-10