What is Urinary Fistula in Females?

Urinary fistula is a disease of the urinary system created through surgical intervention. It creates abnormal communications between the urinary tract system and other organs. It may be regarded as an abnormal opening or a passageway between the urinary tract and other structures, usually the vagina or rectum. Such opening leads to the leakage of urine into areas where it should not be, leading to various complications.

What are the types of Urinary Fistula?

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF): It is an abnormal passage connecting the bladder to the vagina, directly communicating urine from the bladder into the vagina.
Urethrovaginal Fistula (UVF): It refers to communication between the urethra and the vagina. Usually, the urethra is responsible for carrying urine outside the body environment, but the vagina is an independent organ meant for other tasks.
Rectovaginal Fistula (RVF): Rectovaginal Fistula (RVF) is a fistula wherein an abnormal communication exists between the rectum and the vagina. Through this unnatural passage, linings that otherwise prevent parts of the rectum and the vagina from interchanging their contents get interfered with.

What are the symptoms of Urinary Fistula?

Urinary fistula, with its abnormal connections in the urinary tract, has the following symptoms:

Urinary Incontinence: A loss of control over urination, which could be droplets that continuously drip or even irregular spurts, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
Foul-Smelling Urine: The abnormal anatomy allows bacteria entry into the urinary system, leading to foul-smelling urine.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Abnormal communication facilitates easy invasion of bacteria into the urinary system, leading to recurrent infections, inflammation, and pain.
Pain or Discomfort: Especially during urination or sexual intercourse, caused by abnormal urine flow and its effect on adjacent tissues.
Skin Irritation: Constant leakage causes irritation and redness around the genital area due to urine’s corrosive effects.

Beyond the physiological symptoms, urinary fistula brings significant psychological stress. The inability to control urination and the stigma attached to the condition can cause feelings of shame, isolation, and decreased quality of life.

What causes Urinary Fistula?

Childbirth: Obstructed or prolonged labor can overstretch and damage pelvic tissues, leading to abnormal passage formation.
Pelvic Surgery: Surgeries like hysterectomy or cesarean section may injure surrounding structures, increasing the risk of urinary fistulas.
Cancer Treatment: Pelvic radiation can erode tissues, creating abnormal conduits and leading to urinary fistula formation.
Infection: Severe pelvic infections can damage tissue integrity, allowing abnormal communications to develop.

What is the diagnosis for Urinary Fistula?

Physical Examination: Examination of pelvic organs, including the bladder and urethra, to check for infection, redness, swelling, and pelvic floor muscle strength.

Imaging Tests:

Cystoscopy: A cystoscope (thin tube with a camera) is inserted into the urethra to visualize the bladder and detect abnormal openings.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG): A contrast dye is injected into the bladder via catheter, and X-rays are taken during urination to assess bladder and urethra structure and function.

Laboratory Tests:

Urinalysis: Tests urine for blood, infection, or other abnormalities.
Urine Culture: Identifies bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

What are the Treatment Options for Urinary Fistula?

Many treatments target the root cause of urinary fistula and focus on restoring normal urine flow.

Surgical Correction: Closes abnormal channels between the urinary tract and surrounding tissues.
Pre-operative Care: Corrects nutritional deficiencies and treats infections before surgery.
Postoperative Care: Includes pelvic rest and avoiding activities that may hinder healing.
Catheterization: Diverts urine flow away from sutured areas, reducing stress on healing tissues.
Medications: Used to treat infections or manage symptoms; not effective as a sole treatment.

How to Prevent Urinary Fistula?

Access to Obstetric Care: Ensure timely access to skilled obstetric and gynecological specialists during childbirth.
Safe Surgical Practices: Exercise extra caution during pelvic surgeries to avoid unintentional damage.
Infection Prevention: Maintain hygiene, use timely antibiotics, and provide postoperative care to prevent pelvic infections.
Regulatory Measures: Implement and monitor regulations to ensure safe surgical procedures and prevent negligence.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Urinary Fistula in Female treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Urologists and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Urology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Female Urinary Fistula in Lucknow, India.