Urinary Tract Fistula Diagnosis and Treatment in New Jersey
A urinary tract fistula is an abnormal opening in an area of the urinary tract (such as the bladder) or an abnormal connection between the urinary tract to another nearby organ (such as the vagina).
Our highly experienced surgeons take a specialized approach to fistula care. We work closely with gynecologic and colorectal surgeons to treat fistulas and reconstruct affected organs, when necessary.
Treating Urinary Tract Fistulas
Our experts create a customized treatment plan based on the severity and location of your fistula. In some cases, fistulas heal on their own. Your doctor may recommend surgery if your fistula is large, is not healing or is causing problems.
Surgery for Urinary Tract Fistulas
Fistula surgery involves removing damaged tissue, closing the abnormal opening or connection between organs and reconstructing the organs to restore normal function.
The approach your surgeon uses will depend on the location and extent of the fistula.
Our urologic surgeons perform a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. Through several small incisions in the abdomen, the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera and small instruments to repair the fistula while using the image from the camera for guidance. Minimally invasive surgery has several advantages, including:
- Smaller incisions and less tissue damage
- Increased precision for complex surgeries
- Decreased blood loss and need for transfusion
- Lower risk of infection
- Less pain after surgery
- Smaller scars, both external and internal
- Shorter hospital stayFaster recovery and return to normal activities
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health
The Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center, a nationally ranked program by U.S. News & World Report, is renowned for its high-quality urologic care, including excellence in research and clinical outcomes.
- 6 subspecialties with fellowship-trained urologists
- 2 Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certifications in prostate cancer and kidney cancer
- 6 consecutive Magnet designations by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence
Learn more about why you should choose us to treat your urinary tract fistula.
Urinary Tract Fistula Specialists
Search our network of expert urologists and urinary tract fistula treatment locations across New Jersey and make an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fistulas develop as a result of injury, inflammation, or disease. The most common causes include:
- Injury during pelvic surgery, such as a hysterectomy.
- Trauma from prolonged or obstructed labor during childbirth.
- Radiation therapy used to treat cancers in the pelvic region.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease.
- Certain types of cancer.
- A thorough physical examination and discussion of your symptoms.
- A cystoscopy, where a thin, lighted camera is inserted into the bladder to look for the abnormal opening.
- Imaging studies, such as a CT urogram or MRI, to get a detailed view of the urinary tract and surrounding organs.
- A pad test or tampon test, where dye is placed in the bladder to see if it leaks and stains a vaginal pad or tampon, confirming a connection.
Most fistulas require surgery to close the abnormal connection and repair the affected organs. Hackensack Meridian Health specializes in robotic-assisted surgery for fistula repair. This minimally invasive approach uses smaller incisions, which leads to less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
