Laparoscopic vesico-vaginal fistula repair: our experience and review of the literature

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with laparoscopic transperitoneal vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) repair and we review current literature. METHODS: Four patients with VVF underwent transperitoneal transvesical laparoscopic repair, with the same principles of open abdominal approach. We considered: operation time, complications, hospital stay, Foley catheter duration, and recurrence during the follow-up. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 103 minutes and no complications were recorded. Average length of hospital stay was 3 days, Foley catheter remained indwelling on an average of 8 days. All patients were cured, after a mean of 14.5 months no recurrence was recorded and no patient referred urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our and literature data, we believe that laparoscopic VVF repair is feasible, safe and effective and it is a viable alternative to the traditional open procedure.