The treatment of vesicovaginal fistulae.

OBJECTIVES

To review the options available for the surgical management of vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF).

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature related to the surgical management of VVF.

RESULTS

Numerous methods for the treatment of VVF have been described. The success of surgical treatment is excellent, even for complex fistulae. There is an increasing move towards early rather than delayed repair. Paramount to the success of surgical treatment is adherence to the principles of fistula closure. Use of an interposition flap will greatly improve the chances of a good outcome. When using a transabdominal approach, the omentum should be the tissue of first choice for an interposition flap.

CONCLUSION

There are few VVF that are not amenable to successful surgical intervention.