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Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about a vesicovaginal fistula repair:

Vesicovaginal fistula repair is surgery to close or remove a fistula between your bladder and vagina. A fistula is an abnormal tissue connection or hole. When you have a fistula, urine exits your body through your vagina, and you cannot control the flow of urine.

Vesicovaginal Fistula

How to prepare for surgery:

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your provider may tell you to shower the night before your surgery. He or she may tell you to use a certain soap to help prevent a surgical site infection. Your provider will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you after surgery.

What will happen during surgery:

Risks of surgery:

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your ureters may be damaged. You may have bladder spasms and vaginal bleeding. You may develop bladder stones or not be able to empty your bladder completely. You may still leak urine or have urges to urinate often. Surgery may make your bladder smaller or shorten your vaginal canal. Even after having surgery to remove your fistula, a new fistula may form.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Call your doctor if:

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Care for your catheter:

Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding and may cause the catheter to come out. Empty your urine drainage bag when it is ½ to ⅔ full, or every 8 hours. If you have a smaller leg bag, empty it every 3 to 4 hours. Do the following when you empty your urine drainage bag:

Drink liquids as directed:

Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids help flush the blood from surgery out of your bladder through your urine.

Do not have sex or use tampons for at least 3 months after surgery:

This allows the tissues in your vagina to heal.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return to have your stitches or catheter removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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