Vesicovaginal fistula refers to a condition where an abnormal channel between the vagina and the bladder causes urinary leakage. It is commonly associated with gynecological procedures like an abdominal hysterectomy.
Repairing it laparoscopically remains the best approach because it is safe and minimally invasive. Your surgeon will use a miniature incision to insert a telescope through the abdomen to suture the bladder hole.
How Much Pain Can You Expect After the Procedure?
Compared to open incision surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries do not cause much pain. Some shoulder discomfort and abdominal cramps can occur from the carbon dioxide your surgeon will use for the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe an anti-inflammatory for relief. Although every patient is different, post-operative pain is easily manageable in all of them.
Is it Normal for You to Get a Bruise After the Procedure?
Since the surgery involves placing a narrow tube through a very small incision, it can cause a small blood vessel under the skin to break. But since the tube fits snugly, it will compress the blood vessel and prevent bleeding.
If it re-opens at a later time, a very small amount of blood can track over the surrounding area. While it is not a real bruise, it can easily be mistaken for one. However, this is not an indicator of an internal problem, and it will subside with time.
When Can You Resume Your Daily Activities?
You need to take time away from work for at least two weeks. While it is alright to engage in relatively light work, you cannot go back to a full-time work day during recovery. You also cannot have sex for approximately four weeks. You can start driving and exercising after one week. Your surgeon will be able to give you a timeframe based on your specific needs.
How Long Does the Surgery Usually Take?
Although the surgery time can vary from person to person, the average time it takes is about two hours. This does not include the preparation time, anesthetic reversal, and the recovery room time. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can leave the hospital the very same day.
How Long Will it Be Until You Can Start Bathing Again?
The surgery involves the use of shower resistant glue instead of bandages and stitches. So you can shower as soon as you are discharged. Water poses no risk to the surgical areas but you should avoid mechanically cleansing the incisions to prevent premature removal of the glue. You can go for completely immersive baths and swims after a few weeks.
The procedure has a very high success rate and has proven to be universally effective. It does not affect your bladder function in any way, and unlike an open incision surgery, this procedure does not pose the risk of vaginal contraction.
Most of the patients who undergo the procedure end up regaining all of their bladder capacity after the repair.
Contact Our Office
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to make sure that your surgeon is board certified and has experience with the procedure. Contact Miklos and Moore Urogynecology for highly experienced surgeons. Dr. John Miklos and Dr. Robert Moore, both board-certified surgeons, are dedicated to providing each and every patient with excellent service and exceptional results.