title: Transurethral suture cystorrhaphy for repair of vesicovaginal fistulas: evolution of a technique.
abstract: Technical difficulties in the initially described transurethral repair of vesicovaginal fistulas have led to several modifications in technique. In an uncontrolled trial, these modifications included the use of a suprapubic tract, along with an arthroscope for visualization of the fistula. A large-caliber port is passed per urethram for transurethral instrumentation access. New-generation laparoscopic needle driver technology markedly improves the ease of transurethral suturing. Three previously unreported vesicovaginal fistula patients have had successful resolution of their fistulas after undergoing transurethral repair. Small-diameter vesicovaginal fistulas in selected patients can be successfully repaired by a minimally invasive transurethral suture technique.
authors.affiliation: Valley Medical Center, Renton, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: McKay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014521:Urethra / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014719:Vesicovaginal Fistula / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*