to Obstetric Trauma Pelvic Floor Repair Surgical Essentials - AGES
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<strong>AGES</strong><br />
<strong>Pelvic</strong> <strong>Floor</strong><br />
Symposium &<br />
Workshop XII<br />
2011<br />
<strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>Obstetric</strong> <strong>Trauma</strong><br />
<strong>Pelvic</strong> <strong>Floor</strong> <strong>Repair</strong><br />
<strong>Surgical</strong> <strong>Essentials</strong><br />
14<br />
is often standardized between patients. Identification of pathology<br />
and knowing how <strong>to</strong> respond <strong>to</strong> it is paramount <strong>to</strong> completing the<br />
procedure.<br />
This lecture will define and describe the incidence of common<br />
bladder disorders. A video will be shown that highlights proper<br />
indications, equipment, and technique for performing diagnostic<br />
cys<strong>to</strong>scopy.<br />
RECOMMENDED READING:<br />
1. Ostergard’s Urogynecolgy and <strong>Pelvic</strong> <strong>Floor</strong> Dysfunction. Lippincott<br />
Williams & Wilkins; Sixth ed (July, 2007).<br />
2. Lotze P. Video: Diagnostic Cys<strong>to</strong>scopy (2010) – available on<br />
YouTube.<br />
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Peter Lotze, MD, FACOG; Fellowship<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Urogynecology and <strong>Pelvic</strong> Reconstructive Surgery Women’s<br />
<strong>Pelvic</strong> Health & Continence Center Clinical Assistant Professor,<br />
Division of Urogynecology, Dept of OB/Gyn UTHSC-Hous<strong>to</strong>n; Baylor<br />
College of Medicine Hous<strong>to</strong>n, Texas, USA.<br />
Session 6 / 1210-1230<br />
Vaginal closure of lower geni<strong>to</strong>urinary<br />
tract fistula<br />
Goh J<br />
<strong>Obstetric</strong> fistula is the most common fistulae world-wide. Most<br />
commonly, it is due <strong>to</strong> prolonged obstructed labour with pressure<br />
necrosis, subsequent sloughing of the affected tissue and formation<br />
of the fistula. <strong>Obstetric</strong> geni<strong>to</strong>-urinary fistulae may also occur from<br />
operative deliveries.<br />
In prolonged obstructed labour, the lower urinary tract is at<br />
risk with the fetal presenting part compressing the vagina and<br />
bladder/urethra against the back of the pubic symphysis. The<br />
fetal presenting part often also causes urethral obstruction and<br />
the distending bladder is placed at further risk of injury. There<br />
is also a risk <strong>to</strong> the rectum from pressure necrosis but the rates<br />
are much lower. Unrepaired fourth degree tears also cause faecal<br />
incontinence.<br />
A high degree of suspicion is required for early detection and hence<br />
early intervention and counselling. Immediate management usually<br />
depends on the nature of injury. If a fistula is detected in the first<br />
few days following delivery, treatment options include prolonged<br />
catheterisation. Spontaneous closure of the fistula may occur with<br />
prolonged catheterisation. If the fistula is detected early and is not<br />
due <strong>to</strong> pressure necrosis, early surgical closure is another option<br />
if the fistula site has little/no inflammation or infection. Once the<br />
fistulous tract is established and epithelialised, little is gain with<br />
prolonged catheterisation in hope of spontaneous closure.<br />
Various investigations are available. For fistulae in the bladder/<br />
urethra, an examination may be all that is required. If the fistula<br />
is large, the defect is palpated or visualised during a vaginal<br />
examination. A dye test may be performed with instillation of dilute<br />
dye in<strong>to</strong> the bladder via a catheter. Imaging is usually required <strong>to</strong><br />
diagnose a ureteric fistula. A urethrocys<strong>to</strong>copy may also be used as<br />
a diagnostic <strong>to</strong>ol.<br />
Timing of surgical management of the bladder or urethral fistula<br />
would depend on the nature of the injury, previous his<strong>to</strong>ry, time<br />
of diagnosis from injury, the condition of tissue around the fistula<br />
(eg infected, inflamed). Surgery for urinary fistulas is fraught with<br />
a number of controversies. Foremost are the timing of closure of<br />
the fistula (early or delayed) and the route of repair (vaginal or<br />
abdominal). Other controversies include the surgical techniques, use<br />
of grafts and length of catheterisation.<br />
There are a number of basic principles of fistula repair. These include:<br />
• Prophylactic antibiotics<br />
• Adequate exposure<br />
• Cannulation of the ureters if indicated<br />
• Mobilisation of the bladder from the vagina<br />
• Haemostasis<br />
• Tension free closure of the bladder and testing the closure for<br />
example, with diluted methylene blue solution<br />
• Pos<strong>to</strong>perative bladder drainage<br />
In vaginal repair of fistulae, the flap-splitting technique is usually<br />
used. For upper vaginal fistulas, this technique is preferable <strong>to</strong><br />
the Latzko as it does not shorten the vagina. Adequate exposure<br />
during surgery is achieved by optimisation of the patient’s position<br />
(eg Trendelenburg, inclination depending on site of the fistula),<br />
good lighting, experienced assistants and often division of vaginal/<br />
perineal scarring <strong>to</strong> allow access <strong>to</strong> the fistula.<br />
Ana<strong>to</strong>mical dis<strong>to</strong>rtion may alter the site of ureteric orifices. It is<br />
essential <strong>to</strong> exclude ureteric involvement, especially in the large<br />
fistula, very scarred fistula and fistula near the trigone. Where<br />
ureters are near or involved with the fistula, cannulation is vital <strong>to</strong><br />
reduce the risk of ureteric obstruction from oedema around the<br />
surgical site or ureteric incorporation in<strong>to</strong> the repair<br />
Apart from the obvious injuries in the genital and urinary tract,<br />
genital tract fistulae particularly following prolonged obstructed