Surgical repair of post-cesarean vesicouterine fistula: A systematic review and a plea for prevention

Abstract

Background: Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a iatrogenic injury in the vast majority of cases. The worldwide increase of cesarean delivery rates is expected to lead to increased complications.

Objectives: To assess current evidence on VUF pathogenesis and surgical management.

Search strategy: Pubmed and Embase databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2023 using relevant key words.

Selection criteria: Only original articles including either transabdominal or transvaginal surgical routes for post-cesarean VUF repair, in English language, were included.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently screened the references for eligibility, data extraction, and assessment of methodologic quality. All available surgical outcomes were recorded.

Main results: Of the 1160 studies retrieved, 67 were selected for analysis. Most of these were case reports, case series, or observational cohort studies including a total of 284 patients. The majority (78.6%) of patients had more than one cesarean section, and approximately 10% of them experienced an overt bladder injury and/or uterine rupture at the time of cesarean delivery. The supratrigonal part of the bladder was most commonly involved (92.5%). The majority of patients (88.8%) underwent delayed VUF repair through laparotomy. Length of stay and blood loss were significantly less in patients treated via a minimally invasive approach (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Most patients had double-layer bladder repair and single-layer uterine repair. The overall success rate was 100% on first attempt for each independent combination of different surgical approaches and techniques. Live birth following VUF repair was reported in 23 patients.

Conclusions: Paying close attention to surgical details is crucial to reduce the incidence of this complication and recurrence rates. Double-layer bladder closure and delayed timing of repair of VUF are recommended.

Keywords: Youssef syndrome; cesarean delivery; cesarean section; hysterectomy; uterovesical fistula; vesicocervical fistula; vesicouterine fistula.