A Case of Urethrocutaneous Fistula Following a Transobturator Tape Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

The transobturator tape procedure (TOT) is a highly effective technique used to resolve cases of female stress urinary incontinence and is a safe procedure with relatively few per-operative and early post-operative complications compared to the tension free vaginal tape (TVT). Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that the late surgical sequelae following a TOT procedure are relatively common. Urethrocutaneous fistula is an unusual complication in the female population that is defined as an abnormal connection between the urethra and the skin, usually affecting the perineum. It may also develop secondary to urethral strictures, repair of hypospadias, prostate surgery, chronic untreated periurethral abscesses, trauma etc. It is usually diagnosed using retrograde urethrography and fistulography. We present a case of a 53 year old woman who developed a urethrocutaneous fistula after a TOT procedure four years ago as a surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence which was diagnosed recently after presenting various episodes of vulvar abscesses