Vaginally inserted herbs causing vesico-vaginal fistula and vaginal stenosis.

A 32-year-old woman developed a vesico-vaginal fistula and vaginal stenosis following insertion of herbs into her vagina by a traditional doctor to "melt" her uterine myomata. She underwent successful trans-abdominal repair of her fistula and passive dilatation of her vagina was recommended for the vaginal stenosis. The emerging importance of traditional treatments as a cause of vesico-vaginal fistula is highlighted. The role of quality improvement through research and strict regulation to maximise the benefits of traditional treatment and minimise complications is also emphasised.