Repair of urethral-vaginal fistula with a total ventral defect using a Martius flap in a patient who had previously undergone unsuccessful fistula surgery.

Özkürkcügil C1, Avci E2, Baynal A3, Teke K3

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Abstract 888
Non Discussion Video
Scientific Non Discussion Video Session 200
Fistulas Female Stress Urinary Incontinence
1. Kocaeli University School of Medicine,, Department of Urology, 2. Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, 3. Kocaeli University School of Medicine,Department of Urology
Links

Abstract

Introduction
Urethrovaginal fistula (UVF) is an abnormal connection between the urethra and vagina. UVF may occur postpartum and are associated with operative vaginal delivery, after surgery for urethral diverticulum, anterior vaginal wall prolapse, or urinary incontinence, and after radiation therapy (1). It is a rare complication in the developed world and is most often due to iatrogenic injury from pelvic surgery (2). 
Here we present a video of UVF repair  with Martius flap.
Design
A 27-year-old female patient who developed UVF after a vaginal delivery one year ago and had previously undergone two unsuccessful UVF surgeries.
The urethra was carefully mobilized from the lateral walls together with the paraurethral tissues. Fibrotic and devitalized tissues were excised to reach healthy margins. A 16 Fr Foley catheter was inserted to maintain luminal calibration. The urethral mucosa was reconstructed from the bladder neck distally using interrupted 4-0 polyglactin (Vicryl) sutures over the catheter. Meticulous mucosal approximation with slight eversion allowed the creation of a well-calibrated neourethra. Following urethral reconstruction, the bladder mucosa was everted toward the vestibular region to ensure anatomical continuity.
Martius Flap Interposition
To enhance vascular support and reduce recurrence risk, a Martius labial fat pad flap was prepared. A 6 cm vertical incision was made along the medial aspect of the left labium majus. The approximately 8 cm flap was tunneled subcutaneously into the vaginal field and placed  over the urethral structure  It was secured to the urethral reconstruction site and surrounding periurethral tissues using 3-0 Vicryl sutures.  Finally, procedure was completed with the insertion of both a suprapubic and urethral catheters

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Results
The operating time was 90 minutes. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Patient was discharged on post op day 3. The urethral catheter was removed on postoperative day 7. However,  the suprapubic catheter was maintained for 3 weeks then removed after  cystoscopic evaluation demonstrated a patent urethra with intact mucosal continuity. 
At 3 months follow up, patient was asymptomatic and sexual active without any problem.
Conclusion
UVF repair with Martius flap  is an effective technique with no significant complications. The success of surgery is depend on surgeon experience.
References
  1. Marshall VF, Jeffs JD, Sarafyan WK: Urogenital sinus abnormalities in the female patient. J Urol 122:508, 1979
  2. Wong MJ, Wong K, Rezvan A, et al. Urogenital fistula. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012
Disclosures
Funding Funding None Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics not Req'd It was a routine surgery and we acquired informed consent from the patient beforehand. Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics not Req'd It was a routine surgery Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes AI Not at all
07/06/2026 01:34:05