Robotic Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair

Abstract

Study objective: To illustrate a technique of robotic vesicovaginal fistula repair in a patient with a previous history of pelvic radiation therapy and multiple abdominal surgeries.

Design: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.

Setting: This 59-year-old woman presented with vesicovaginal fistula. She had a history of rectosigmoidectomy followed by pelvic radiotherapy for stage III colon cancer 23 years earlier and subsequent robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy with bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy for stage II mixed cell endometrial carcinoma, which required surgical reintervention because of a pelvic hematoma and complete vaginal cuff dehiscence.

Interventions: We performed a robotic approach to vesicovaginal fistula with several key steps to repair the fistula and maintain the integrity of the abdominopelvic structures: (1) careful bowel adhesiolysis involving multiple segments of the intestine to the abdominal and pelvic peritoneum; (2) cystotomy with vaginal probe guidance; (3) fistulectomy by monopolar scissors after ureteral orifice visualization; (4) dissection of the retropubic space of Retzius, relieving bladder tension; (5) transverse sutures to coapt the raw surfaces on the vaginal side and the bladder in 2 layers with minimal tension; and (6) transurethral instillation of methylene blue into the bladder.

Conclusions: Traditionally, patients with vesicovaginal fistula after pelvic radiation therapy and multiple abdominal surgeries are managed by laparotomy. This video demonstrates a feasible robotic approach to vesicovaginal fistula repair, with superior imaging affording 3-dimensional visualization and stabilization of instruments, allowing wrist-like movements.

Keywords: Minimally invasive surgery; Robotic surgery; Vesicovaginal fistula.