Vesicovaginal Fistulas

    
      Re: Vesicovaginal Fistulas
    


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Posted by HFHS M.D.-MS on March 02, 1998 at 08:32:30:

In Reply to: Vesicovaginal Fistulas posted by Jean on February 27, 1998 at 17:26:13:
  I developed a vesicovaginal fistula following a hysterectomy which was repaired vaginally. One month after surgery, I developed sudden abdominal swelling. An ultrasound, CT scan, and cystoscopy showed nothing, however the swelling continues to increase VERY slowly. It has been close to a year now and there is no pain involved, just some discomfort. My question is whether it is possible to have a very small bladder fistula at the original site seeping into the abdomen without showing up on these tests? Also what could the possible outcome be?
  Thank you.
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Dear Jean,
Thanks for your question.
A urine leak would most definitively show if  it were large enough to cause abdominal swelling.  You would also have abnormal blood work similar to renal failure due to the reabsorption of urine across the lining of the abdomen.  If your hysterectomy was for cancer, malignant ascites (weeping of fluid from metastatic implants to the lining of the abdomen ) would also be seen by CT scan.  This is seen most frequently with ovarian cancer.  Estrogen replacement medication is notorious for weight gain including the abdomen.  Also, a hernia of the abdominal wall can cause local swelling but usually can be diagnosed by physical exam.  Sorry, I don

[mary24609]

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