Ureterovaginal fistula: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Ureterovaginal fistula | |||
| image = [[File:Gynecological_diagnosis_(1910)_(14591554198).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of a ureterovaginal fistula | |||
| field = [[Urology]], [[Gynecology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Urinary incontinence]], [[Vaginal discharge]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[Kidney damage]] | |||
| onset = Post-surgical, [[Childbirth]] | |||
| duration = Chronic unless treated | |||
| causes = [[Surgical injury]], [[Obstructed labor]] | |||
| risks = [[Pelvic surgery]], [[Radiation therapy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Cystoscopy]], [[Intravenous pyelogram]] | |||
| differential = [[Vesicovaginal fistula]], [[Urethrovaginal fistula]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical repair]], [[Ureteral stent]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
== Ureterovaginal Fistula == | == Ureterovaginal Fistula == | ||
[[File:Gynecological_diagnosis_(1910)_(14591554198).jpg|thumb|Illustration from a 1910 gynecological diagnosis book showing the anatomy relevant to ureterovaginal fistulas.]] | [[File:Gynecological_diagnosis_(1910)_(14591554198).jpg|left|thumb|Illustration from a 1910 gynecological diagnosis book showing the anatomy relevant to ureterovaginal fistulas.]] | ||
A '''ureterovaginal fistula''' is an abnormal connection between the ureter and the vagina. This condition can lead to continuous urinary incontinence, as urine bypasses the bladder and flows directly into the vagina. | A '''ureterovaginal fistula''' is an abnormal connection between the ureter and the vagina. This condition can lead to continuous urinary incontinence, as urine bypasses the bladder and flows directly into the vagina. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Ureterovaginal fistulas are often a complication of surgical procedures, particularly those involving the pelvic region. Common causes include: | Ureterovaginal fistulas are often a complication of surgical procedures, particularly those involving the pelvic region. Common causes include: | ||
* '''Gynecological surgery''': Procedures such as hysterectomy or pelvic lymphadenectomy can inadvertently damage the ureter. | * '''Gynecological surgery''': Procedures such as hysterectomy or pelvic lymphadenectomy can inadvertently damage the ureter. | ||
* '''Obstetric trauma''': Difficult childbirth or cesarean sections may result in fistula formation. | * '''Obstetric trauma''': Difficult childbirth or cesarean sections may result in fistula formation. | ||
* '''Radiation therapy''': Treatment for pelvic cancers can lead to tissue damage and fistula development. | * '''Radiation therapy''': Treatment for pelvic cancers can lead to tissue damage and fistula development. | ||
* '''Infections''': Severe infections in the pelvic area can erode tissue and create fistulas. | * '''Infections''': Severe infections in the pelvic area can erode tissue and create fistulas. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of a ureterovaginal fistula is continuous leakage of urine from the vagina. Other symptoms may include: | The primary symptom of a ureterovaginal fistula is continuous leakage of urine from the vagina. Other symptoms may include: | ||
* '''Urinary incontinence''': Inability to control urine flow. | * '''Urinary incontinence''': Inability to control urine flow. | ||
* '''Vaginal discharge''': Persistent watery discharge. | * '''Vaginal discharge''': Persistent watery discharge. | ||
* '''Recurrent urinary tract infections''': Due to the abnormal flow of urine. | * '''Recurrent urinary tract infections''': Due to the abnormal flow of urine. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of a ureterovaginal fistula typically involves: | Diagnosis of a ureterovaginal fistula typically involves: | ||
* '''Medical history and physical examination''': Initial assessment by a healthcare provider. | * '''Medical history and physical examination''': Initial assessment by a healthcare provider. | ||
* '''Imaging studies''': Techniques such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or CT urography to visualize the urinary tract. | * '''Imaging studies''': Techniques such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or CT urography to visualize the urinary tract. | ||
* '''Cystoscopy''': Endoscopic examination of the bladder and urethra. | * '''Cystoscopy''': Endoscopic examination of the bladder and urethra. | ||
* '''Vaginal dye test''': Introduction of a dye into the bladder to check for leakage into the vagina. | * '''Vaginal dye test''': Introduction of a dye into the bladder to check for leakage into the vagina. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for ureterovaginal fistulas include: | Treatment options for ureterovaginal fistulas include: | ||
* '''Surgical repair''': The most common treatment, involving the closure of the fistula and restoration of normal anatomy. | * '''Surgical repair''': The most common treatment, involving the closure of the fistula and restoration of normal anatomy. | ||
* '''Ureteral stenting''': Temporary placement of a stent to allow healing. | * '''Ureteral stenting''': Temporary placement of a stent to allow healing. | ||
* '''Nephrostomy''': Diversion of urine through a tube inserted into the kidney, used in severe cases. | * '''Nephrostomy''': Diversion of urine through a tube inserted into the kidney, used in severe cases. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
With appropriate surgical intervention, the prognosis for patients with ureterovaginal fistulas is generally good. Most patients regain normal urinary function and experience relief from symptoms. | With appropriate surgical intervention, the prognosis for patients with ureterovaginal fistulas is generally good. Most patients regain normal urinary function and experience relief from symptoms. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Urinary incontinence]] | * [[Urinary incontinence]] | ||
* [[Fistula]] | * [[Fistula]] | ||
* [[Hysterectomy]] | * [[Hysterectomy]] | ||
[[Category:Urological conditions]] | [[Category:Urological conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Gynecological disorders]] | [[Category:Gynecological disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | |||
Latest revision as of 23:13, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Ureterovaginal fistula | |
|---|---|
_(14591554198).jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Urinary incontinence, Vaginal discharge |
| Complications | Infection, Kidney damage |
| Onset | Post-surgical, Childbirth |
| Duration | Chronic unless treated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Surgical injury, Obstructed labor |
| Risks | Pelvic surgery, Radiation therapy |
| Diagnosis | Cystoscopy, Intravenous pyelogram |
| Differential diagnosis | Vesicovaginal fistula, Urethrovaginal fistula |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical repair, Ureteral stent |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Ureterovaginal Fistula[edit]
A ureterovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the ureter and the vagina. This condition can lead to continuous urinary incontinence, as urine bypasses the bladder and flows directly into the vagina.
Causes[edit]
Ureterovaginal fistulas are often a complication of surgical procedures, particularly those involving the pelvic region. Common causes include:
- Gynecological surgery: Procedures such as hysterectomy or pelvic lymphadenectomy can inadvertently damage the ureter.
- Obstetric trauma: Difficult childbirth or cesarean sections may result in fistula formation.
- Radiation therapy: Treatment for pelvic cancers can lead to tissue damage and fistula development.
- Infections: Severe infections in the pelvic area can erode tissue and create fistulas.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of a ureterovaginal fistula is continuous leakage of urine from the vagina. Other symptoms may include:
- Urinary incontinence: Inability to control urine flow.
- Vaginal discharge: Persistent watery discharge.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections: Due to the abnormal flow of urine.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a ureterovaginal fistula typically involves:
- Medical history and physical examination: Initial assessment by a healthcare provider.
- Imaging studies: Techniques such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or CT urography to visualize the urinary tract.
- Cystoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the bladder and urethra.
- Vaginal dye test: Introduction of a dye into the bladder to check for leakage into the vagina.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for ureterovaginal fistulas include:
- Surgical repair: The most common treatment, involving the closure of the fistula and restoration of normal anatomy.
- Ureteral stenting: Temporary placement of a stent to allow healing.
- Nephrostomy: Diversion of urine through a tube inserted into the kidney, used in severe cases.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate surgical intervention, the prognosis for patients with ureterovaginal fistulas is generally good. Most patients regain normal urinary function and experience relief from symptoms.
