Hyterectomy, Contributory Factor To VVF – Gynaecologist

An Abuja-based
Gynaecologiest, Dr Adaora Ukoh, has said that infected epistomy after childbirth could cause vesico vaginal fistula (VVF).
Ukoh said this in an interview with newsmen Tuesday in Abuja.
Explaining vesico vaginal fistula as an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and vagina that allows continuous discharge of urine into the vagina.
According to her, VVF occurs when there is an injury to the vaginal wall which allows involuntary passage of urine from the bladder to the vagina.
The physician said that obstructed labour, especially in very young mothers, could cause development of the disease adding  that poor uterine contractions as well as uncompleted vaginal birth after caesarean section could predispose patients to vesico vaginal fistula.
Ukoh also attributed rape, childbirth and small pelvic dimensions as some factors that predispose patients to the disease.
“Interoitral stenosis, unrecognised bladder lacerative as well as pelvic surgery could contribute in the development of the disease.
“History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pelvic malignancy and endometriosis can be causative factors to VVF.
“Benign gynaecologic surgery, especially hysterectomy, can cause the disease in patients.
“Radiation therapy, infections, diabetes, anatomic distortion and pelvic cancer can also predispose patients to the disease,’’ she stated.
The medic further stated that some diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are also contributory factors to VVF.
Ukoh who revealed that treating vesico vaginal fistula should start from knowing the size and location of the fistula.
She also suggested that the severity and quality of the surrounding tissue of fistula be evaluated, saying it would help in knowing the type of treatment required.
She recommended prolonged bladder drainage in treating the disease if the fistula was small and diagnosed few days after the patient had surgery.
The physician advised that persistent large fistulas should be treated with surgery assing that patients who had fistula repairs by surgery should follow their healthcare provider instructions to avoid complications.