Genitourinary Fistula Repair
Treating a genitourinary fistula is necessary for a fully functioning excretory system.
A genitourinary fistula is a connection between any of the reproductive organs with the excretory organs. Normally, these organs all have separate openings. But if a genitourinary fistula, which is a hole or a tear, develops in any of them in the wrong place, the reproductive and excretory organs can become improperly connected.
- This is problematic because it can cause serious health issues from the ensuing bacterial infections that end up developing.
- That is why it is crucial to understand the following causes, symptoms, and treatment options that are available.
Causes
Women have the highest rate of developing this condition since the main cause of a genitourinary fistula is an improperly done cesarean section to deliver an infant from a woman’s womb. But it can also happen when a woman goes through a traumatic natural delivery of a child wherein specialized metal instruments were used to pull the child out through the vaginal canal. The instruments sometimes have sharp edges that can do serious damage during the process. Occasionally, this condition can be caused by cancer that has led to the atrophy of the thin tissue of the walls of the reproductive or excretory organs.
Symptoms
Serious health issues can develop when reproductive and excretory organs become improperly connected.
Treatment Options
Treating a genitourinary fistula usually involves surgery through the vagina or the abdomen so the fistula can be closed. If an infection is present, then a course of antibiotics is issued beforehand. Sometimes doctors prescribe antibiotics even when no infection symptoms are present because the surgery involves a delicate area with naturally high levels of bacteria.
