ABSTRACT
Urogenital fistulae are defined as abnormal connections between genitourinary organs. Worldwide, the majority of fistulae occur in the developing world and are secondary to sequalae of obstructed labor and lack of access to medical care. In the developed world, the majority of fistulous connections occur following pelvic surgery, particularly in the setting of unrecognized injury to the urinary tract during hysterectomy. Fistulae can have a negative impact on quality of life, not to mention a significant psychosocial and financial burden to the individual and healthcare system, respectively. It is essential that clinicians maintain a high level of suspicion and perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose and appropriately manage urogenital fistulae in a prompt and efficient manner. This chapter explores the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and diagnosis of urogenital fistulae. Particular attention is paid to the presentation, appropriate investigation, and expected findings of the most common urogenital fistulae, including vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, and urethrovaginal fistulae.
