title: Formation of a vesicovaginal fistula in a pig model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish an animal model of a vesicovaginal fistula that can later be used in the development of new treatment modalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six female pigs of Landrace/Yorkshire breed were used. Vesicotomy was performed through open surgery. An standardized incision between the bladder and the vagina was made, and the mucosa between them was sutured together with absorbable sutures. A durometer ureteral stent was introduced into the fistula, secured with sutures to the bladder wall, allowing for the formation of a persistent fistula tract. Six weeks postoperatively cystoscopy was performed to examine the fistula in vivo. Thereafter, the pigs were euthanized with intravenous pentobarbital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two out of four (50%) pigs developed persistent fistulas. No per- or postoperative complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates that this pig model of vesicovaginal fistula can be an effective and cheap way to create a fistula between the bladder and vagina.
authors: Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Lindberg
authors: Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors: Emilie
authors: E
authors: Rickardsson
authors: Department of Urology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.
authors: Margrethe
authors: M
authors: Andersen
authors: Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark ; Department of Urology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Lund
keywords: animal model; urinary fistula; vesicovaginal fistula