Course Faculty: Joan L. Blomquist, MD, Robert E. Gutman, MD, Brittany S. Hampton, MD, Peter C. Jeppson, MD, Blair B. Washington, MD

Vesicovaginal (VVF) and rectovaginal (RVF) fistulas from obstetric-related causes remain a major source of pain and suffering worldwide. While the distortion in anatomy has some similarities with injuries induced by radiation, the diagnosis, evaluation, management, and treatment of these fistulas can be quite different from other pelvic pathology and more difficult to treat in any setting.

This course, led by faculty who have extensive experience treating fistulas in different countries and settings, is designed to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach to evaluating and treating vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas.

This didactic-based course will be supplemented with surgical photos and videos, and special attention will focus on tips and tricks in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, time is set aside at the end of the course for audience Q & A.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:
1) Identify how to diagnose and evaluate VVF and RVF
2) list the management and treatment options for VVF and RVF
3) Identify the long-term care needs of VVF and RVF patients.

Course Outline:

8:00 am – 8:05 am              Introduction – Saifuddin T. Mama, MD, MPH

8:05 am – 8:30 am              Overview of VVF and RVF – Saifuddin T. Mama, MD, MPH

8:30 am – 8:55 am              Outpatient Evaluation, Preoperative Planning and Surgical Approaches – Joan L.
                                               Blomquist, MD

8:55 am – 9:15 am              Abdominal & Combined Abdominal-Vaginal Approach to VVF Repair – Brittany S.
                                               Hampton, MD

9:15 am – 9:40 am              Vaginal Approach to VVF Repair-Simple and Complex - Robert E. Gutman, MD

9:45 am – 9:55 am              Break

9:55 am – 10:20 am            Approach to Ureteral Reimplantation- Extraperitoneal, Intraabdominal, Extravesical
                                               and Intravesical – Saifuddin T. Mama, MD, MPH

10:20 am – 10:45 am          Approach to RVF repair - Blair B. Washington, MD, MHA

10:45 am – 11:10 am          Postoperative and Long-term Care of VVF and RVF Patients – Peter C. Jeppson, MD

11:10 am – 11:30 am          Panel/Question/Answer