Urinary & Rectal Fistulas
A fistula is an abnormal connection between organs that usually are not connected such as the bladder and vagina caused by tissue damage and inflammation.
Causes of Urinary and Rectal Fistulas
- Childbirth:
- Caesarean section
- Episiotomy – a surgical cut at the opening of the vagina during vaginal childbirth
- Surgery in the pelvis, vagina or rectum
- Cervical or colon cancer
- Radiation therapy
- Inflammatory bowel conditions:
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticulitis
Types of Fistulas
- Vesicovaginal – between the bladder and vagina
- Vesicouterine – between the bladder and uterus
- Urethrovaginal – between the urethra and vagina
- Ureterovaginal – between the ureter and vagina
- Colovesical – between the colon and bladder
- Rectovaginal – between the rectum and vagina
Urinary and Rectal Fistula Symptoms
- Constant urine leakage from the vagina
- Irritation near the vulva
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Gas from the vagina
- Stool leakage from the vagina
- Fluid drainage from the vagina
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Diagnosing Urinary and Rectal fistulas
- Pelvic exam
- Prostate exam
- Urinalysis
- Cystogram and cystoscopy imaging