Research progress of diagnosis and treatment of vesicovaginal fistula caused by gynecologic surgery

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) which refers to the abnormal passage between bladder and vagina, is the most distressing complication of gynecologic surgery, and VVF mostly occurs in complete hysterectomy. Most VVF is caused by inadvertent injury to the bladder during surgery by operators. According to the symptoms of leakage of urine, combined with methylene blue test and cystoscopy, VVF can usually be exactly diagnosed. Surgical repair which aims at correcting urine efflux is the main treatment method for VVF.The timing and approach of surgical operation for VVF should be based on physical status of patients, clinical features of fistula of VVF and experience of surgeons. At present, the vaginal approach of VVF repair is the preferred one in developing countries, while in the developed countries, a variety of approaches of VVF repair have been described. This review will summarize the research progress of diagnosis and treatment for VVF resulting from gynecologic surgery, in order to provide reference for clinicians. Key words: Urinary fistula; Vesicovaginal fistula; Gynecologic surgical procedures; Intraoperative complications; Diagnosis; Therapy