Private Urinary Fistula Repair

Urinary fistula repair closes an abnormal urine leak between organs or skin, restoring normal flow and comfort. Find the right urologist who fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.

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Le fondateur de Surgency, le Dr Sean Haffey, souriant
Révisé et approuvé par le Dr Sean Haffey
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À titre informatif seulement, ne constitue pas un avis médical ou juridique. Veuillez consulter votre médecin ou votre chirurgien.

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What is urinary fistula repair surgery?

Urinary fistula repair surgery fixes an abnormal tunnel (a fistula) that lets urine leak from the urinary tract into the wrong place. Instead of urine staying inside the bladder and leaving through the urethra, a fistula can allow urine to leak into the vagina, to the skin, or into another nearby organ. This can cause constant wetness, irritation, and trouble controlling urine.

How the surgery works depends on where the fistula is and its size. First, the surgeon uses imaging and/or a small camera exam to locate the exact opening. Then they carefully separate the tissues around the fistula, remove scarred edges if needed, and close the hole in strong layers so it seals properly. In some cases, the surgeon adds a “patch” of healthy tissue (called a tissue flap) between layers to give extra support. The goal is simple: restore a watertight pathway so urine flows normally again.

Why do Canadians get urinary fistula repair surgery done privately?

Canadians may choose private urinary fistula repair because a fistula can be life‑disrupting, and getting to a specialist plus OR time can take a long time.

Délais d'attente plus courts

  • Public wait lists for consults, cystoscopy, imaging, and OR time can be long and uncertain.
  • Private centres may arrange assessment and surgery within weeks, not months.
  • Less time dealing with constant leakage, skin irritation, odour worries, and recurrent infections.

Choix et contrôle

  • Ability to choose a urologist with specific experience in fistula and reconstructive pelvic surgery.
  • Option to schedule around work, school, caregiving, or travel.
  • More time to review the plan (approach, need for tissue flap, coordination with gynecology if needed).

Tranquillité d'esprit

  • Clear answers on what the fistula connects to and what the repair involves.
  • A clear timeline that allows you to plan time off and support at home.
  • Faster sharing of test results and direct communication reduces “waiting in the dark.”

Prévenir d’autres problèmes

  • Persistent fistulas can lead to repeated UTIs, worsening skin breakdown, and ongoing inflammation.
  • Earlier repair can reduce repeat urgent visits and limit how long tissues stay irritated and fragile.

Avantages pratiques (souvent)

  • Streamlined pre‑op testing (urine culture, imaging) and coordinated referrals if multiple specialists are involved.
  • More predictable follow‑up scheduling for catheter management and confirmation testing.
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Urinary fistula repair surgery: what to expect

  1. Confirmez votre diagnostic. La plupart des patients commencent par consulter un médecin de famille ou un spécialiste qui confirme que la chirurgie est conseillée. Un chirurgien privé peut également confirmer le diagnostic si nécessaire.
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  2. Faites des recherches.
    • Vous pouvez trouver des chirurgiens à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique; Calgary, en Alberta; Toronto, en Ontario; et Montréal, au Québec sur notre application, et consulter leurs qualifications ainsi que les tarifs.
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  3. Planifiez une consultation initiale. La plupart des chirurgiens proposent des consultations en clinique et en ligne.
    • Les consultations sont généralement fixées en quelques jours ou quelques semaines.
    • Remarque : prévoyez des frais de consultation entre 150 $ et 350 $.
    • Nous vous recommandons de prendre 2 à 4 consultations avec différents chirurgiens afin de mieux comprendre vos options.
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  4. Consultation. Le chirurgien examinera votre état, vos symptômes et tout traitement ou diagnostic antérieur, comme des radiographies ou des IRM.
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  5. ‍Après la consultation. Le chirurgien examinera ensuite votre dossier et vous proposera des options chirurgicales (et non chirurgicales) en fonction de vos besoins; il passera en revue les risques et les résultats attendus; et présentera les options de tarification et de planification.
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  6. Planifiez la date de votre chirurgie. Une fois que vous aurez confirmé la procédure et le paiement, la clinique fixera la date de votre chirurgie – généralement dans un délai de quelques semaines.

Patient discussing urinary fistula repair with surgeon

À quoi s'attendre pendant la période de récupération?

Urinary fistula repair recovery can feel like a process because the whole point is to let a delicate “seal” heal without stress. Everyone heals differently, follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Premiers jours (Jours 1 à 3)

Ce que vous ressentirez

  • Soreness where the repair was done (vaginal area, lower abdomen, or both)
  • Tiredness and grogginess from anesthesia
  • You’ll usually have a catheter draining urine
  • Bladder spasms or crampy feelings can happen

Objectifs principaux

  • Contrôle de la douleur et de l’enflure
  • Keep urine draining easily through the catheter
  • Protect the repair by avoiding strain and pressure

Activités habituelles

  • Short, gentle walks a few times a day
  • Resting, changing positions slowly
  • Keeping the area clean and dry as instructed

Jours 4 à 14

Ce que vous ressentirez

  • Soreness should slowly settle
  • You might feel “pressure” or discomfort with sitting, depending on the approach
  • You may still notice some leakage early on, but your team will tell you what’s expected

Objectifs principaux

  • Prevent constipation and straining
  • Take good care of the catheter so it doesn’t tug or block
  • Follow activity limits exactly

Activités habituelles

  • Light daily tasks; quiet school/desk work if you feel up to it
  • No heavy lifting, intense exercise, or anything that increases pelvic pressure
  • Usually showers are fine once cleared; often no baths/hot tubs at first

Weeks 2–8

What happens

  • Many patients have a follow‑up visit and sometimes a test to confirm the repair is sealed (your surgeon decides what’s needed)
  • Catheter removal timing varies by fistula type and repair method

Objectifs principaux

  • Confirm the repair is holding
  • Gradually return to more normal routines without rushing

Red flags — call your team or go to urgent care

  • Fièvre ou frissons, ou sensation de malaise général
  • Catheter not draining, new severe bladder pressure, or sudden inability to pass urine
  • Worsening redness, swelling, bad‑smelling drainage, or opening at the incision
  • Saignement abondant
  • New chest pain, shortness of breath, or painful swollen calf

How much does urinary fistula repair surgery cost in Canada?

Costs for urinary fistula repair vary a lot because “fistula” can mean different connections (bladder‑to‑vagina, ureter‑to‑vagina, bladder‑to‑skin, etc.), and some repairs need tissue flaps or more than one surgical team. Always request a written, itemized quote.

In Canada, private clinics typically charge: $5,000–$25,000+

Complex cases (prior radiation, multiple fistulas, need for combined abdominal + vaginal approach, or longer OR time) can be higher.

Quel est le coût moyen aux États-Unis?

In the U.S., you can expect to pay between CA$5,800–CA$30,00+

Qu'est-ce qui est généralement inclus dans le coût?

Most private packages typically include:

  • Surgeon fee (sometimes includes a co‑surgeon if planned)
  • Anaesthesia and monitoring
  • Les frais d'établissement ou de salle d'opération et les soins infirmiers.
  • Standard surgical supplies
  • Les soins de récupération immédiate après l'intervention.
  • At least one routine follow‑up visit to check healing and review early results

What’s often not included?

  • Pre‑op tests done outside the clinic (urine culture, bloodwork, ECG, imaging like CT/MRI)
  • Extra specialist fees if needed (for example gynecology, colorectal, plastics)
  • Unplanned extra OR time, unexpected complexity, or an unplanned hospital admission/overnight stay
  • Prescriptions after surgery (pain meds, antibiotics)
  • Catheter supplies at home (if not provided)
  • Follow‑up imaging/tests to confirm closure (sometimes separate)
  • Travel and accommodation (out‑of‑province/state)

Tips before you commit

  • Ask if the quote includes: cystoscopy during surgery, ureteral stents (if needed), catheter removal visit, and confirmation testing.
  • Get the exclusions in writing so there are no surprises.

Choisir un chirurgien et une clinique

Choosing your surgeon is one of the biggest benefits of going private. Urinary fistula repair is a “precision” surgery, so the goal is to find a team that does these repairs often, plans carefully, and has strong follow‑up.

Ce qu'il faut rechercher

Expérience et volume d'interventions

  • Ask how many urinary fistula repairs the surgeon does each year (not just general urology surgeries).
  • Ask what types they commonly repair (for example: vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, urethrovaginal, bladder‑to‑skin).
  • Higher volume usually means better judgement on approach, and fewer surprises in the operating room.

Qualifications et formation

  • Verify licensure with your provincial college (CPSO, CPSBC, CPSA, CMQ, etc.).
  • Look for an FRCSC‑certified urologist with reconstructive/pelvic experience.
  • If your case is complex, ask if they work with a urogynecologist or other specialist.

Diagnosis and planning

A good clinic will confirm exactly where the leak is coming from before booking surgery. Ask if they use:

  • Cystoscopy (camera in the bladder)
  • Imaging (CT urogram, MRI, or contrast studies)
  • Dye tests or exams to map the tract

Surgical approach and technique

Ask the surgeon to itemize the plan:

  • Vaginal approach vs abdominal approach vs combined approach
  • Whether they expect to use a tissue flap (extra layer of healthy tissue for support)
  • Whether they plan to place ureteral stents or a suprapubic catheter
  • What the “backup plan” is if they find more scar tissue than expected

Résultats et sécurité

Ask for their recent numbers (last 12–24 months), such as:

  • First‑attempt closure rate (success rate)
  • Les taux d'infection ou de réadmission
  • How often a second procedure is needed

Also ask how they reduce infection risk:

  • Do they require a urine culture before surgery?
  • Do they postpone surgery if infection is present?

Qualité de l'établissement

  • Confirm the centre is accredited (Accreditation Canada/CAAASF or provincial equivalent).
  • Ask about sterile processing and emergency transfer agreements if a hospital stay becomes needed.

Aftercare coordination

You want a clinic that has a clear plan for:

  • Catheter management (who removes it, when, and where)
  • Confirmation testing to prove the fistula is closed
  • How you contact the team after hours if something feels wrong

Coûts et transparence

  • Request a written, itemized quote.
  • Ask what is included (anesthesia, facility fees, stents, catheter supplies, follow‑ups) and what could add cost (extra OR time, added specialists, overnight stay).

Questions to ask at your consultation

  • How many fistula repairs do you do each year, and what types?
  • Where exactly is my fistula, and what tests confirm that?
  • Which approach do you recommend for me, and why?
  • Will you use a tissue flap or stents? Are those included in the quote?
  • What is your first‑attempt success rate for cases like mine?
  • Who do I contact after surgery, and how quickly do you respond?

Signal of a high‑quality program: they confirm the fistula location, explain the plan in simple steps, share real outcomes, and give you an itemized quote with a clear follow‑up pathway.

Foire aux questions

How do I know urinary fistula repair surgery is right for me?

Urinary fistula repair surgery closes an abnormal tunnel (a fistula) that lets urine leak into the wrong place. Surgery can make sense when the leak is continuous or doesn’t stop with time and basic measures.

Cela pourrait vous convenir si :

  • You have constant leakage that doesn’t match “normal” bladder control issues
  • Tests confirm a fistula (for example cystoscopy, dye testing, or CT imaging)
  • You keep getting recurrent UTIs or ongoing irritation because of the leak
  • The leakage is causing major problems with school, work, sleep, confidence, or relationships
  • The fistula happened after surgery, childbirth injury, radiation, trauma, or a severe infection and it has not sealed on its own

Common reasons people need fistula repair

  • Vesicovaginal fistula: bladder to vagina (leakage through the vagina)
  • Ureterovaginal fistula: ureter to vagina (leakage even if you can still pass urine normally)
  • Urethrovaginal fistula: urethra to vagina
  • Bladder to skin fistula: leakage through the skin near a prior incision

Quand la chirurgie n'est peut-être pas (encore) indiquée

  • The fistula is new and tiny, and your surgeon thinks it may close with short‑term catheter drainage
  • You have an active infection that needs treatment first
  • The tissue is very inflamed or recently injured, and the safest plan is to wait for it to settle before attempting a repair
  • You haven’t had the right tests yet to confirm exactly where the tract is

Ai-je besoin d'une référence?

No, you do not need a referral for a urinary fistula repair surgery in Canada. You can book a consultation directly with a urologist, and they will review your options and diagnostics.

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What do I need to do to prepare?

Your surgeon will give specific instructions based on your fistula type and the exact approach they're planning—their instructions come first.

Préparation et optimisation de la santé

Infection control

  • Urine culture: Your team will likely require a urine test to confirm there's no active infection before surgery.
  • If infection is found, you'll need antibiotics first—surgery is usually postponed until urine is clear.
  • Tell your team right away if you have fever, chills, burning with urination, or foul‑smelling urine.

Cesser de fumer/vapoter

  • Nicotine reduces blood flow and raises infection and healing risks.
  • Quitting 4+ weeks before surgery improves tissue healing and reduces complications.

Médicaments

  • Share a complete list of all meds and supplements with your team.
  • You may need to pause blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, DOACs), certain anti‑inflammatories, and herbal products that increase bleeding.
  • Only stop meds if your surgeon or family doctor tells you to.

Santé générale

  • Light activity, balanced meals, adequate protein, and good sleep all support healing.
  • Stay hydrated unless told otherwise.

Autorisation médicale

  • Some people need bloodwork, ECG, or imaging depending on age and medical history.

Préparation à domicile

Bathroom and hygiene setup

  • Stock extra toilet paper, pads/liners (you may have light spotting or catheter leakage), and dark towels.
  • Consider a shower chair or handheld showerhead if bending or sitting is uncomfortable.
  • Have gentle, unscented soap and any prescribed catheter care supplies ready.

Comfort aids

  • Heating pad (low setting) or ice pack for soreness
  • Extra pillows for positioning in bed
  • Water bottle, phone charger, and small side table within easy reach

Vêtements

  • Loose, comfortable underwear and pants (elastic waist, soft fabric)
  • Front‑opening or pull‑on tops that don't require twisting
  • Slip‑on shoes

Rest zone

  • Set up a comfy spot where you can rest, elevate your hips slightly if needed, and keep essentials nearby.

Soutien et logistique

Une personne pour vous aider

  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24–48 hours (common rule after anesthesia).
  • Have a backup contact for the first week or two.

Work and school

  • Plan time off. Desk work may be possible sooner than physical jobs, but you'll need time for rest, catheter management, and follow‑ups.

Childcare/pets

  • Line up help for lifting, errands, and pet care for at least the first 1–2 weeks.

Aliments, médicaments et préparation le jour de la chirurgie

Jeûne

  • Follow your anaesthesia team's instructions exactly (often no solid food after midnight; clear fluids up to a set time).

Pain and bladder spasm plan

  • Pick up any prescribed pain meds, bladder spasm meds, and antibiotics before surgery day.
  • Have over‑the‑counter options (acetaminophen/ibuprofen if allowed) ready at home.

Constipation prevention

  • Start a stool softener or fibre supplement 1–2 days before—anaesthesia and pain meds can cause constipation, and straining can stress the repair.

Préparation de la peau

  • Shower the night before and morning of surgery; follow any antiseptic wash instructions.
  • Do not shave the operative area.

Ce qu'il faut apporter

  • Photo ID, health card, medication list, and comfortable, loose clothing.

Jewelry and nails

  • Remove rings, bracelets, and piercings.
  • Keep at least one fingernail natural (no heavy polish or acrylics) for oxygen monitoring.

Quels sont les risques associés?

Your individual risk depends on your health, the fistula type and location, whether you've had prior repairs or radiation, the surgical approach (vaginal vs abdominal vs combined), and how well you follow post‑op instructions. Discuss your personal risks with your surgeon.

Courants et généralement temporaires

  • Pain, soreness, and bruising where the repair was done
  • Pink urine or light spotting for a few days
  • Bladder spasms, cramping, or urgency (especially with a catheter in place)
  • Nausées dues à l'anesthésie; constipation due aux analgésiques
  • Fatigue and sleep disruption in the first few days
  • Mild discomfort at catheter sites

Moins courants

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) after surgery, sometimes needing antibiotics
  • Bleeding that lasts longer than expected or forms a hematoma (blood collection)
  • Temporary urinary retention (trouble passing urine) once the catheter is removed
  • Wound healing problems or separation at the incision
  • Irritation or injury to nearby structures (urethra, ureter, vaginal wall, bowel—rare but possible)

Procedure‑specific risks (depend on the approach and complexity)

  • Fistula recurrence: the repair doesn't seal fully and leakage returns (risk is higher with prior failed repairs, radiation damage, or poor tissue quality)
  • Ureteral injury or stricture (narrowing) if the fistula involves the ureter
  • Vaginal shortening or scarring (if repaired vaginally), which can affect comfort or function
  • Need for a second surgery if the first repair doesn't hold

Rare mais important

  • Severe infection (pelvic abscess or sepsis) requiring IV antibiotics or further surgery
  • Significant bleeding requiring transfusion or return to the OR (rare)
  • Injury to the bladder, ureter, or bowel requiring additional repair
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs (DVT/PE)—rare but serious
  • Complications liées à l'anesthésie (réaction aux médicaments, problèmes respiratoires).

Comment réduire les risques

  • Follow pre‑op instructions: confirm urine is infection‑free, stop nicotine, manage meds as directed
  • Protect the repair: avoid heavy lifting, straining, high‑impact activity, and sexual activity until cleared
  • Take catheter care seriously: keep it clean, secured, and draining well
  • Start stool softeners early to prevent constipation and straining
  • Know the red flags and act fast: fever, chills, inability to pass urine, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, foul drainage

Red flags—call your team or go to urgent care/ER

  • Fièvre ou frissons
  • Catheter stops draining or you cannot pass urine at all
  • Severe or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed meds
  • Heavy bleeding, large clots, or bright red urine that doesn't lighten
  • Bad‑smelling or pus‑like drainage from the incision
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or painful swollen calf

Quels sont les risques de retarder ou de ne pas subir la chirurgie?

Your situation depends on the fistula type and location, what caused it, how much leakage you're dealing with, whether you're getting infections, and how well conservative measures (like catheter drainage for a new, tiny fistula) are working. Discuss specifics with your surgeon.

Main risks of delaying or not having urinary fistula repair (when symptoms are significant/persistent)

Progressive discomfort and quality‑of‑life impact

  • Constant wetness: leakage that never stops, requiring pads/liners 24/7
  • Skin breakdown, rashes, and irritation from continuous urine contact
  • Odour worries and anxiety about being in public, at school, or at work
  • Sleep disruption from changing pads or dealing with wetness
  • Avoiding activities, sports, social events, and intimacy

Recurrent infections

  • A fistula can act as a pathway for bacteria, making UTIs more frequent
  • Repeated infections can become harder to treat and may involve the kidneys (pyelonephritis)
  • Chronic inflammation can worsen scarring and make later repair more difficult

Worsening tissue damage and scarring

  • Ongoing leakage and inflammation can cause more scar tissue around the fistula
  • Scar tissue makes the repair technically harder and can lower first‑attempt success rates
  • Radiation‑related fistulas especially: tissue quality worsens over time without repair

Kidney and urinary tract complications (for ureteral fistulas)

  • If the fistula involves a ureter, urine may not drain properly into the bladder
  • This can cause hydronephrosis (kidney swelling) and gradual loss of kidney function
  • Ongoing blockage or partial drainage raises infection risk

Psychological and emotional toll

  • Constant worry about leakage, smell, and being "found out"
  • Isolation, depression, and loss of confidence
  • Strain on relationships and intimacy

Chirurgie et récupération plus difficiles par la suite

  • Larger fistulas or those with heavy scarring may need more complex repairs (tissue flaps, multiple layers, combined approaches)
  • Prior failed repairs or long‑standing fistulas have lower first‑attempt closure rates
  • Tissue that's been inflamed for months may not heal as reliably

Quand l'observation attentive peut être raisonnable

  • The fistula is very new and tiny (for example, just diagnosed after a recent surgery)
  • Your surgeon thinks short‑term catheter drainage may allow it to seal on its own
  • There's no infection, and you're being monitored closely with a clear plan for when to proceed with repair if it doesn't close

Quand il ne faut pas tarder

  • Continuous leakage that's disrupting daily life, sleep, work, or school
  • Recurrent UTIs or signs of kidney involvement (flank pain, fever)
  • The fistula has been present for weeks/months and shows no sign of closing
  • Tissue quality is good now but may worsen (for example, radiation damage can progress)
  • You've tried conservative measures (catheter drainage, infection treatment) and the leak persists

J'ai encore des questions

Si vous avez encore des questions, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter directement.

Woman looking upset on her bed

PARCOURIR LES CHIRURGIENS

Browse Accredited Private Surgeons for Urinary Fistula Repair

Les chirurgiens de Surgency sont vérifiés :

✓ Diplôme de médecine reconnu
✓ Permis d'exercice canadien (LMCC)
✓ Permis d'exercice médical provincial actif
✓ Certification du conseil (FRCSC/ABMS)
QC
Accepte les patients de toutes les provinces
Daniel Liberman
MD, MSc, FRCSC
Icône de localisation du chirurgien
Montréal, QC
Anglais, Français
Accepte les patients adultes

Urologue à Montréal, spécialisé dans les dérivations urinaires, la continence et l'incontinence pour la vessie neurogène, ainsi que la réparation des fistules urinaires compliquées.

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