In developed countries, the causes of fistulas are iatrogenic (caused by surgical accidents). Physician error and lack of training contribute to the unsuccessful treatment of obstetric fistulas in developing countries. Injuries to pelvic organs are a cause of fistulas. Most of those not caused by obstructed labor develop from injuries. An example of this would be the improper placement of an instrument during a hysterectomy. Fistulas can form after long-term pessary use, hysterectomies, malignant disease and pelvic irradiation, pelvic surgery, cancer or a pelvic fracture. Fistulas are sometimes found after a cesarean section. Providers can also inadvertently cause a fistula when performing obstetric or gynecological surgery. The more training the physician has had, the less likely a uro-vaginal fistula will occur. Some women develop more than one fistula.
Urogenital fistula
Ureterovaginal fistula
Urethrovaginal fistula
Urethrocele
Rectovaginal fistula
Hydrocele
Vesicovaginal fistula
Hematocele