Genitourinary Fistulas After Cerclage: A Case Series and Scoping Review

Genitourinary fistula after cerclage is rare but may be more common after prior cervical surgery, shortened cervix, and McDonald cerclage. Methods to mitigate morbidity associated with fistula after cerclage placement include cystoscopy if bladder injury is suspected at the time of cerclage placement and consideration of abdominal cerclage when intravaginal access to the cervix is limited. Patients with urinary leakage after cerclage should be evaluated for genitourinary fistula, not just incontinence. Postpartum surgical repair remains the primary treatment for VVF, ideally by a vaginal approach.