Classification of Female Genital Tract Fistulas

Abstract

There is currently no consensus on a standardised classification for female genital tract fistulas. Many classifications in the past utilised descriptive characteristics including subjective assessments such as `big', `simple' or `difficult'. Some classifications are site/anatomic specific, for example, urethro-vaginal or vesico-vaginal and this excludes fistulas that straddle over 2 or more anatomic sites. The lack of consensus on a classification makes comparing literature and outcomes extremely difficult if not impossible. This chapter examines various classifications that have been published over the past 150 years. The key classification systems will be presented. Surgical outcomes have also been studied in relation to a few of these classification systems and these will also be explored.