Lighted stents facilitate robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureterovaginal fistula repair

Abstract

Three cases of ureterovaginal fistula (UVF) repair were reviewed in order to improve the minimally invasive surgical technique. We successfully repaired UVF robotically using five ports by placing a lighted ureteral stent preoperatively to assist with ureter identification and dissection. Placement of a lacrimal duct probe allowed fistula tract identification and obliteration. Preoperative surgical team planning is useful to avoid errors and delays. A multispecialty and an experienced robotic surgical team were paramount for the success of our robotic repair. © 2012 The International Urogynecological Association.