Vaginal fistula
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects the vagina to another organ, such as the bladder, colon, or rectum. Your doctor may describe it as an opening through which urine or stool enters the vagina
A vaginal fistula can develop as a result of trauma, surgery, infection, or radiation therapy. Operative closure of the fistula is necessary to restore normal function
There are many forms of vaginal fistula:
- Bladder-vaginal fistula The most common form, which develops when a hole forms between the vagina and the bladder
- urethral-vaginal fistula This form occurs when an opening develops between the vagina and the tube connecting the kidney and bladder, the ureter.
- ureteral-vaginal fistula In this form, a hole is formed between the vagina and the urethra
- recto-vaginal fistula Also known as a rectal fistula, in this form a hole forms between the vagina and the rectum
- Colon-vaginal fistula In this form, a hole is formed between the vagina and the large intestine
- Entero-vaginal fistula In this form, a hole is formed between the small intestine and the vagina
