Colour Doppler ultrasound in vesicovaginal fistulas

The purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of diagnosing vesicovaginal fis tulas by colour Doppler ultrasound with contrast media. Twelve consecutive patients were examined by vaginoscopy, methylene blue test, cystogram and c ystoscopy. For ultrasound examination, the bladder was filled with saline. Then diluted contrast media (Levovist(R)) was instilled. Colour Doppler ult rasound revealed a jet phenomenon through the bladder wall toward the vagin a, proving the existence of the fistula, Eleven patients had vesicovaginal fistulas, one patient a vesicoureterovaginal fistula, Colour Doppler ultras ound had correct results in 11 of 12 patients (92%). In follow-up examinati ons of four patients during a prolonged drainage of the bladder, me could c orrectly demonstrate the closure of one fistula, Colour Doppler ultrasound with contrast media is a new useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation and f ollow-up of vesicovaginal fistulas, It is less invasive than cystoscopy and needs no radiation exposure, The examination is well tolerated by the pati ents. (C) 2000 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.