Fistula Repair

Fistula repair is performed to resolve urine, stool or gas leakage caused by an abnormal opening between two organs, or a singular organ and the outside wall. The most common abnormal openings occur between the bladder and the vagina, urethra and vagina, and rectum and vagina. These fistulas can be a result of childbirth, surgery complications or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s. During surgery, your doctor will close the opening between the organs or the organ and outside wall to prevent any further leakage. This can usually be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can most likely go home the same day and resume regular activity shortly after. You may be prescribed pain medicine and stool softener to lessen your discomfort after surgery. The likelihood of a properly healed fistula recurring is very small, but it is important to speak with your doctor about signs to look out for in the future.