A 28-year-old woman presents with continuous leakage of urine from the vagina 4 weeks after obstructed labor. Examination reveals a 1.5 cm vesicovaginal fistula. According to the standard management principle, when should definitive surgical repair be attempted?

• A Immediately
• B 3 months after formation ✓
• C 6 weeks after formation
• D 6 months after formation

Explanation

Definitive repair of a vesicovaginal fistula is best delayed for approximately 3 months after formation to allow inflammation to subside and tissues to become healthy, improving surgical success. Immediate repair in inflamed, edematous tissue has high failure rates. Some surgeons attempt early repair at 6 weeks if tissues are healthy, but 3 months is the standard recommended waiting period per most Indian and international guidelines.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 18th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.