title: Laparoscopic transvesical approach for vesicovaginal fistula repair.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To access the technical feasibility of performing laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula.
  
  
  METHODS
  We attempted a laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula in five women with a history of urinary leakage via the vagina after vaginal hysterectomy. Five pelvic ports were used. The surgical procedure was performed using the same principles as for open surgery, i.e., separation of the vaginal wall from the bladder wall, repair of the fistula, and interposition of the omentum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was early recovery of the patients in terms of continence, with less chance of recurrence. Results were comparable to those with the vaginal approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of minimally invasive surgery for vesicovaginal fistula repair helps to ease the suturing deep in the pelvis, and the magnification facilitates good identification of tissues planes and thus better mobilization of the vaginal and bladder walls and decreases postoperative morbidity.
authors: Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Galaxy CARE Laparoscopy Institute, Pune, India. shase63@yahoo.com
authors: Shailesh P
authors: SP
authors: Puntambekar
authors: Riddhi
authors: R
authors: Desai
authors: Amit
authors: A
authors: Galagali
authors: Geetanjali Agarwal
authors: GA
authors: Joshi
authors: Saurabh
authors: S
authors: Joshi
authors: Rahul
authors: R
authors: Kenawadekar
authors: Archit
authors: A
authors: Pandit
authors: Anup
authors: A
authors: Aitwade
authors: Seema S
authors: SS
authors: Puntambekar
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; D001743:Urinary Bladder; D014719:Vesicovaginal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*