Bladder Fistulas

What are Bladder Fistulas?

A bladder fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and another organ, such as the vagina, bowel, or skin. This can cause urine to leak into areas where it shouldn’t, leading to discomfort, infections, and disruption of daily life.

 

Common Symptoms:

 

• Uncontrolled leakage of urine

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort

• Foul-smelling urine

• Urine leakage from the vagina or other areas, depending on the fistula type

 

Causes & Triggers:

Bladder fistulas can develop from a variety of conditions or events:

 

• Complications from surgery or radiation therapy

• Childbirth or traumatic injury

• Chronic infections or inflammatory diseases

• Certain cancers affecting the bladder or nearby organs

 

Management & Treatment:

Treatment depends on the fistula type and severity:

 

• Surgery: The primary treatment to close the abnormal connection

• Catheterization: Temporary management to allow healing

• Infection management: Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections