Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Treatment Cost in India

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) treatment in India typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, causing continuous leakage of urine. It can follow prolonged obstructed labour or pelvic surgery. Cost depends on:

• Cause and size of the fistula: simple or complex.
• Surgical approach: through the vagina or through the abdomen (open or keyhole).
• Previous repairs: repeat repairs are more complex.
• Catheter time: the bladder is drained for a period after repair.

A 2010 case series from Cameroon in the Pan African Medical Journal described women with long labours, often with stillbirth and little antenatal care, living with fistulas for years. In other settings, fistulas can follow hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery.

• Constant leakage: urine leaks through the vagina.
• Skin irritation: around the vulva is common.
• Social impact: isolation and loss of work are frequent and treatment can be life-changing.

In the same series of 32 women:

• Closure: 93.5% of fistulas were closed.
• Continence: 68.8% were both closed and continent.
• First repairs: 92% of first repairs were successful in closing the fistula.
• Harder cases: fistulas near the bladder neck, larger than 5 cm or with scarring were linked to failure or ongoing leakage.

The authors compare their results with WHO targets of 85% closure and 90% continence among closed cases.

• Experienced surgeon: first repair has the best chance of success, so choose an experienced fistula surgeon.
• Catheter: the bladder is usually drained for around two weeks; the series reported a median of 12 days.
• Time in India: about two to three weeks.
• After repair: avoid sex and heavy lifting until cleared; future deliveries are often advised by caesarean.