Genitourinary fistulae. Vaginal approach for repair of vesicovaginal fistulae.

Controversy still remains concerning the timing of repair, the type of approach, and the technical guidelines most likely to prevent recurrence of both radiated and nonradiated vesicovaginal fistulae. The authors advocate the transvaginal approach because it avoids a cystotomy and involves minimal blood loss and consequently is followed by less postoperative discomfort and a shorter hospital stay. Included in this discussion are the techniques and results of the transvaginal approach for simple vesicovaginal fistulae as well as for complex cases and radiation fistulae.