A vesico-vaginal fistula develops 10 days after a difficult hysterectomy for fibroid uterus. Dye test confirms the fistula. What is the minimum recommended waiting period before surgical repair to allow oedema and inflammation to subside?

• A 3 months ✓
• B 2–4 weeks
• C 6 months
• D 12 months

Explanation

The classic teaching is to wait at least 3 months before surgical repair of a post-surgical (non-obstetric) VVF to allow resolution of oedema, inflammatory changes, and tissue necrosis, which improves surgical success rates. Some surgeons advocate early repair (within 3 weeks) for small, clean fistulas before fibrosis sets in, but the traditional and most widely accepted answer in examination contexts is 3 months. Radiation fistulas require 12 months.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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