ABSTRACT
Introduction In this chapter we review fistulae of the lower urinary tract, their etiology, and the role of endoscopy in their diagnosis and treatment. Urogenital fistula is an uncommon but important cause of urinary incontinence in urogynecological practice in industrialized countries and is in most cases related to trauma during pelvic gynecological surgery. In developing countries, urinary fistula related to neglected labor is commonplace. Endoscopy of the urinary tract plays an important role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urogenital fistulae. Intraoperative endoscopy will detect injury to the urethra, bladder, or ureters and allows early diagnosis and repair, and lessens the risk of postoperative morbidity and medicolegal sequelae. The place of endoscopy in prevention of urinary tract injury is addressed in Chapter 14.
