Single-Port Transvesical Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Repair: An Initial Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is the most common urogenital fistula due to iatrogenic cause, primarily associated with gynecologic surgery (1). Although both conservative and surgical management may be considered, the optimal treatment is still uncertain and several studies were published using different techniques (open, laparoscopic or robotic) and approaches (extravesical, transvesical or transvaginal) (2-5). In this context, we aim to report our initial experience repairing VVF with Single-Port (SP) Transvesical (TV) access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients with a diagnosis of VVF underwent SP-TV VVF repair between May 2022 and December 2023. Diagnosis was confirmed by cystoscopy, cystogram and in two cases by CT Urogram. Under general anesthesia, before robotic time, patients were placed in lithotomy position and a preliminary cystoscopy was performed. Fistula was noted and a 5fr stent was placed through the fistulous tract. Two ureteral stents were placed. Then, with patient supine, a transverse suprapubic 3cm incision and 2cm cystotomy were made for SP access. First step was to mark and remove fistula tract to the vagina. The edges of the vagina and bladder were dissected in order to have a closure free of tension and to create three different layers to close: vagina, muscularis layer of the bladder and mucosal layer of the bladder. A bladder catheter was placed, and the two ureteral stents were removed at the end of procedure. RESULTS: Mean age was 53 years old and three out of 4 patients developed VVF after gynecologic surgery. Two patients underwent VVF repair 6 and 8 months after total hysterectomy. One patient developed VVF after total hysterectomy and oophorectomy followed by radiation therapy. Last patient developed VVF after previous urological procedure. Fistula diameter was between 11 and 15mm. Operative time was 211 min, including preliminary cystoscopy, stents placement and SP-access. All patients were discharged on the same day with a bladder catheter, successfully removed between post-operative day 14-18 after negative cystogram. Only in one case a ureteral stent was left because the fistula was closed to the ureteral orifice and we reported one case of UTI twelve days after surgery, treated with outpatient antibiotics. Mean follow-up was 8 months, patients were scheduled for regular follow-up visits and no recurrence was reported. All patients have at least 3 months of post-operative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that SP Transvesical VVF repair may be considered as a safe and feasible minimally invasive treatment for small/medium fistulae (10-15mm).

Giant stone adhered in the vaginal cavity in a female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bladder lithiasis comprises 5% of urological lithiasis. Large bladder stones associated with vesicovaginal fistulas are rare, and the risk factors are not an isolated process. There are metabolic comorbidities associated with this pathology, including diabetes mellitus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old Mestizo patient is presented, reporting dysuria, pollakiuria, and abdominal pain of 4 months of evolution, located in the hypogastric region, also with a sensation of a foreign body in the vaginal introitus. In her pathological history, she presented type 2 diabetes mellitus. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, reporting a tumor lesion in the abdominal wall. Therefore, surgical intervention was performed by cystolithotomy, obtaining a giant stone adhered to the vaginal wall with a size of 10 cm × 12 cm. CONCLUSION: Early detection of this pathology should be exhaustive in patients with characteristics and comorbidities associated with stone development to avoid possible complications, such as vesicovaginal fistulas.

Reparación quirúrgica por vía vaginal de fístulas vesicovaginales: una experiencia exitosa / Vaginal surgical repair of vesico-vaginal fistulas: a successful experience

OBJETIVO: Se presenta una serie de casos de reparación por vía vaginal de fístula vesicovaginal (FVV) de nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se evaluaron todas las pacientes con reparación quirúrgica de FVV en el Centro de Innovación de Piso Pélvico del Hospital Sótero del Río entre 2016 y 2022. RESULTADOS: Se reportaron 16 casos, de los cuales el 81,3% fueron secundarios a cirugía ginecológica. En todos se realizó la reparación por vía vaginal, con cierre por planos. En el 94% (15/16) se logró una reparación exitosa en un primer intento. El tiempo de seguimiento poscirugía fue de 10 meses (rango: 3-29). No hubo casos de recidiva en el seguimiento. Una paciente presentó fístula de novo, la cual se reparó de manera exitosa en un segundo intento por vía vaginal. Se reportaron satisfechas con la cirugía 15 pacientes, con mejoría significativa de su calidad de vida. Una paciente reportó sentirse igual (6,3%), pero sus síntomas se debían a síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva que la paciente no lograba diferenciar de los síntomas previos a la cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: Las FVV en los países desarrollados son secundarias a cirugía ginecológica benigna. La cirugía por vía vaginal en nuestra serie demostró una alta tasa de éxito, con mejora significativa en la calidad de vida de las pacientes.

OBJETIVE: We present a case series of vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) vaginal repair in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive observational study. All patients with surgical repair of VVF at the Centro de Innovación en Piso Pélvico of Hospital Sótero del Río were evaluated between September 2016 and September 2022. RESULTS: 16 cases were reported. 81.3% were secondary to gynecological surgery. In all cases, a vaginal repair was performed, with a layered closure. 94% (15/16) had no contrast extravasation at the time of examination, confirming fistula closure. The follow-up time was 10 months (range: 3-29). There were no cases of recurrence during follow-up. 1 patient presented de novo fistula which was successfully repaired in a second attempt vaginally. 15/16 patients reported being satisfied with the surgery, with significant improvement in quality of life. 1 patient reported feeling the same (6.3%), but her symptoms were due to overactive bladder syndrome that the patient could not differentiate from the symptoms prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: VFV in developed countries are mainly secondary to benign gynecological surgery. Vaginal surgery in our series achieved a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Correction of Vesicovaginal Fistulas after Hysterectomy Due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta.

BACKGROUND: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a difficult-to-treat complication of obstetric hysterectomy. There are multiple management options, with a preference for surgical repair via abdominal or vaginal approach. We describe a transurethral natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) using barbed suture, in 3 cases of VVF after hysterectomy due to morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). CASES: Three patients with VVFs after hysterectomy due to MAP underwent a transurethral endoscopic suture repair. Two patients had complete resolution of the fistula, and the third required additional repair by laparotomy; however, a decrease was observed in the size of the VVF after the initial endoscopic repair. CONCLUSION: The transurethral NOTES approach for VVF after MAP hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is valid as an initial approach for this type of complication.

[Guiding opioid-free intravenous antinociception with the Analgesia Nociception Index: a case report]. / Antinocicepção intravenosa sem opioides orientada pelo Índice de Analgesia/Nocicepção: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-free anesthesia decreases the incidence of opioid adverse events, but its optimal antinociceptive depth has not been clearly defined. Personalizing intraoperative opioid-free infusions with a nociception monitor may be the solution. CASE REPORT: We describe the feasibility and potential limitations of titrating opioid-free antinociception during major abdominal surgery using the Analgesia Nociception Index (Mdoloris, Lille, France) in an obese patient. After stabilizing the patient's nociception-antinociception balance intraoperatively we quickly reversed anesthesia and the patient did not require postoperative opioids. CONCLUSION: Personalizing opioid-free antinociception with a nociception monitor is feasible. It may optimize intraoperative antinociception and improve postoperative comfort.

Guiding opioid-free intravenous antinociception with the Analgesia Nociception Index: a case report / Antinocicepção intravenosa sem opioides orientada pelo Índice de Analgesia/Nocicepção: relato de caso

Abstract Background: Opioid-free anesthesia decreases the incidence of opioid adverse events, but its optimal antinociceptive depth has not been clearly defined. Personalizing intraoperative opioid-free infusions with a nociception monitor may be the solution. Case report: We describe the feasibility and potential limitations of titrating opioid-free antinociception during major abdominal surgery using the Analgesia Nociception Index (Mdoloris, Lille, France) in an obese patient. After stabilizing the patient's nociception-antinociception balance intraoperatively we quickly reversed anesthesia and the patient did not require postoperative opioids. Conclusion: Personalizing opioid-free antinociception with a nociception monitor is feasible. It may optimize intraoperative antinociception and improve postoperative comfort.

Resumo Introdução A anestesia sem opioides diminui a incidência de eventos adversos associados aos opioides, mas a profundidade antinociceptiva ideal dessa abordagem não está claramente definida. Personalizar a infusão intraoperatória sem opioides com o uso de monitor de nocicepção pode ser a solução. Relato de caso Descrevemos a viabilidade e as eventuais limitações da titulação da antinocicepção sem opioides por meio do uso do Índice de Analgesia/Nocicepção (Mdoloris, Lille, França) durante cirurgia abdominal de grande porte em paciente com obesidade. Depois de estabilizar o equilíbrio nocicepção-antinocicepção da paciente no intraoperatório, revertemos rapidamente a anestesia e a paciente não precisou de opioides no pós-operatório. Conclusão A personalização da antinocicepção sem opioides por meio do emprego de monitor de nocicepção é factível. A abordagem pode otimizar a antinocicepção intraoperatória e melhorar o conforto pós-operatório.

Transvaginal repair of neobladder vaginal fistula with martius flap

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neobladder vaginal fistula (NVF) is a known complication after cystectomy and orthotopic diversion in women, occurring in 3-5% of women. Possible risk factors for fistula formation include compromised tissue vascularity due to surgical dissection and/or radiotherapy, suture line proximity, local tissue recurrence, and injury to the vaginal wall during dissection. The surgical repair of a NVF can be challenging secondary to vaginal shortening, atrophy, local inflammation from chronic exposure to urinary leakage, and the proximity of the neobladder to the anterior vaginal wall. In this video, we present transvaginal repair of a NVF with Martius flap interposition. Materials and Methods: This is the case of a 47 year old woman with a history of radical cystectomy and creation of a Studer pouch secondary to bladder cancer two years prior who subsequently developed a NVF. Evaluation included an office cystoscopy which demonstrated a 3-4mm left-sided neobladder vaginal fistula at the level of the ileal-urethral anastomosis. No pelvic organ prolapse or evidence of bladder cancer recurrence was appreciated. Results: A vaginal approach for the NVF repair was performed with a Martius flap interposition. A water-tight closure was achieved without any intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. The urethral Foley was removed at 2 weeks and by 4 weeks the patient did not report any urinary leakage. Conclusions: Neobladder vaginal fistula is a rare complication following cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion that can be repaired using a transvaginal approach. A Martius flap interposition is important to augment success of the repair. If a transvaginal approach fails a transabdominal approach or conversion to cutaneous diversion may be necessary.

Transvaginal repair of Neobladder Vaginal Fistula with Martius Flap.

Introduction: Neobladder vaginal fistula (NVF) is a known complication after cystectomy and orthotopic diversion in women, occurring in 3-5% of women. Possible risk factors for fistula formation include compromised tissue vascularity due to surgical dissection and/or radiotherapy, suture line proximity, local tissue recurrence, and injury to the vaginal wall during dissection. The surgical repair of a NVF can be challenging secondary to vaginal shortening, atrophy, local inflammation from chronic exposure to urinary leakage, and the proximity of the neobladder to the anterior vaginal wall. In this video, we present transvaginal repair of a NVF with Martius flap interposition. Materials and Methods: This is the case of a 47 year old woman with a history of radical cystectomy and creation of a Studer pouch secondary to bladder cancer two years prior who subsequently developed a NVF. Evaluation included an office cystoscopy which demonstrated a 3-4mm left-sided neobladder vaginal fistula at the level of the ileal-urethral anastomosis. No pelvic organ prolapse or evidence of bladder cancer recurrence was appreciated. Results: A vaginal approach for the NVF repair was performed with a Martius flap interposition. A water-tight closure was achieved without any intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. The urethral Foley was removed at 2 weeks and by 4 weeks the patient did not report any urinary leakage. Conclusions: Neobladder vaginal fistula is a rare complication following cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion that can be repaired using a transvaginal approach. A Martius flap interposition is important to augment success of the repair. If a transvaginal approach fails a transabdominal approach or conversion to cutaneous diversion may be necessary.

[Vaginal repair of vesico-vaginal fistula: Experience at a tertiary care center in Venezuela.] / Reparación vía vaginal de la fístula vesico-vaginal (FVV): experiencia en un centro de atención terciaria en Venezuela.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a pathology with serious social repercussions; its resolution can be achieved through multiple surgical, abdominal or vaginal techniques, the choice of which will generally depend on the characteristics of the fistula and the experience of the surgeon.OBJETIVE: We describe our experience with vaginal approach to treat VVF using different flap interpositions. METHODS: A retrospective review of the charts of VVF patients attended at University Hospital of Caracas (UHC) during the 2009 - 2016 period was undertaken. The follow up period ranged from 3 months to 7 years, with an average of 2 years and 6 months. RESULTS: Of a total of 22 cases of VVF, most had a single orifice, retrotrigonal position, with an average diameter of 9.5 mm. A peritoneal flap was used in 77.27 % of the cases, Martius flap in 13.63 %, and omentum and vaginal mucosa each in 4.54 % of the cases. Success rate was 90.91%. Failure occurred in 2 cases (9.09%), due to relapse of the pathology. Morbidity rate was 13.64%, mainly due to urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION: The vaginal technique for the treatment of VVF is safe and effective with low recurrence rate and complications.

La FVV es una patología con graves repercusiones sociales, cuya resolución se puede realizar a través de múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas, abdominales o vaginales, cuya elección generalmente dependerá de las características de la fístula y la experiencia del cirujano. OBJETIVO: Describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de la FVV mediante cirugía por abordaje vaginal usando diferentes colgajos de interposición. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva y descriptiva de las pacientes operadas de FVV en el periodo comprendido entre 2009 y 2016 en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). El período de seguimiento osciló entre 3 meses a 7 años, con un promedio de 2 años y 6 meses. RESULTADOS: De un total de 22 casos operados de FVV, la mayoría tenían un orificio único, de posición retrotrigonal y con un diámetro promedio de 9,5 mm. El tipo de colgajo más frecuentemente utilizado fue peritoneal en el 77,27% de los casos, seguido por colgajo de Martius en el 13,63%, y epiplón y mucosa vaginal con 4,54% cada uno. La tasa de éxito global fue de 90,91%. El fracaso se presentó en 2 casos (9,09%), dado por recidiva de la patología. La morbilidad estuvo en un 13,64%, dada en gran parte por infecciones urinarias. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica vaginal para cura de FVV es segura y efectiva con baja tasa de recidiva y complicaciones.

A martius flap in the treatment of iatrogenic distal urogenital fistula

ABSTRACT Introduction: Distal urogenital fistulas (DUF) are usually iatrogenic and are uncommon in Europe. They occur in the urethra or near the bladder neck, and can be caused by vaginal hysterectomy, para-urethral cyst surgery, or erosion of the bladder or urethra from tension-free slings or meshes. The psychological and physical health consequences of DUF are devastating because most patients consider themselves "healthy" before surgery. Incontinence can appear after successful DUF closure due to previously occult incontinence or urethral incompetence. Additional surgery for incontinence is sometimes necessary to achieve satisfactory outcome. Materials and Methods: A Martius flap was used in 23 patients between 2000 and 2015. Patient age range was 38-75 years (mean, 58.7). DUF was due to gynecologic surgery for benign disease (15 / 23; 65.2%), mesh / sling erosion (2 / 23; 8.7%), and malignancy (6 / 23; 26.1%). The follow-up period was one year. Results: DUF was closed in 22 patients (95.6%). Satisfaction and complete dryness was achieved in 16 patients (69.6%) after the first procedure. Postoperative complications were: postoperative hematoma in 1 (4.4%), primary failure in 1 (4.4%), overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in 3 (13.2%) and postoperative incontinence in 6 (26.4%) patients. A fascial sling was placed in patients with incontinence. All patients were dry after the secondary surgery. Anticholinergics were used for the treatment of OAB syndrome. Discomfort at the flap harvesting site was of minor importance. Finally, 22 out of 23 patients (95.6%) were satisfied. Conclusion: A Martius flap and additional fascial sling could be successfully used to optimize DUF treatment.

A martius flap in the treatment of iatrogenic distal urogenital fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Distal urogenital fistulas (DUF) are usually iatrogenic and are uncommon in Europe. They occur in the urethra or near the bladder neck, and can be caused by vaginal hysterectomy, para-urethral cyst surgery, or erosion of the bladder or urethra from tension-free slings or meshes. The psychological and physical health consequences of DUF are devastating because most patients consider themselves "healthy" before surgery. Incontinence can appear after successful DUF closure due to previously occult incontinence or urethral incompetence. Additional surgery for incontinence is sometimes necessary to achieve satisfactory outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Martius flap was used in 23 patients between 2000 and 2015. Patient age range was 38-75 years (mean, 58.7). DUF was due to gynecologic surgery for benign disease (15 / 23; 65.2%), mesh / sling erosion (2 / 23; 8.7%), and malignancy (6 / 23; 26.1%). The follow-up period was one year. RESULTS: DUF was closed in 22 patients (95.6%). Satisfaction and complete dryness was achieved in 16 patients (69.6%) after the first procedure. Postoperative complications were: postoperative hematoma in 1 (4.4%), primary failure in 1 (4.4%), overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in 3 (13.2%) and postoperative incontinence in 6 (26.4%) patients. A fascial sling was placed in patients with incontinence. All patients were dry after the secondary surgery. Anticholinergics were used for the treatment of OAB syndrome. Discomfort at the flap harvesting site was of minor importance. Finally, 22 out of 23 patients (95.6%) were satisfied. CONCLUSION: A Martius flap and additional fascial sling could be successfully used to optimize DUF treatment.

Utility of Postoperative Voiding Cystourethrogram After Lower Urinary Tract Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize indications, timing, and results of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) studies after repair of the lower urinary tract and to determine how these results impact clinical management. METHODS: Women who underwent a VCUG between January 2006 and December 2012 were identified from a radiology billing database. After excluding women with abdominopelvic malignancies, demographic, clinical, index procedure and lower urinary tract repair characteristics, and VCUG results were analyzed. The impact of abnormal VCUG results on clinical management was assessed. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 245 VCUG studies performed a median of 10 days (interquartile range, 8-12 days) after lower urinary tract repair. When classified by procedure type, VCUGs were performed a median of 9 days (7-13 days) after cystotomy repair, 11 days (10-12 days) after vesicovaginal fistula closure and 10 days (7-11 days) after diverticulectomy. Abnormal findings were noted in 7 of 245 (2.9%) VCUGs and included contrast extravasation (5/7) and urinary retention (2/7). In all cases, the abnormal VCUG prompted a change in clinical management with extended use of an indwelling catheter or intermittent self-catheterization in 1 case of urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding cystourethrograms are a useful clinical tool in guiding the duration of Foley catheter use after lower urinary tract repair. Depending on clinical practice, VCUGs may reduce catheter-associated morbidity by facilitating earlier catheter removal and, in the minority of cases, may identify patients with incomplete postoperative healing.

Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistula - initial experience

ABSTRACT Objective The most common acquired fistula of the urinary tract is Vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) (1) posing social stigmata for the patient as well as a surgical challenge for the urologist. Here we present our initial experience with Robotic assisted laparoscopic repair of VVF, its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods Seven out of eight fistulas were post hysterectomy; five had undergone abdominal while two had laparoscopic hysterectomy while one was due to prolonged labour. Two had associated ureteric injury. All underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic trans abdominal extravesical approach. Three 8 mm ports for robotic arms, one 12 mm port for camera and another 12 mm for assistant were used in a fan shaped manner. All had preoperative ureteric catheter placed. Bladder was closed in two layers and vagina in one layer. Omental flap placed in all cases except two where it was not possible. Drain and per urethral catheter placed in all cases. Double J stents were placed in two cases requiring ureteric implantation additionally. Results The mean age of presentation was 39.25 years (26-47 range) with mean BMI being 26.25 kg/m2 (21-32 range). Mean duration between insult and repair was 9.37 months (3-24 months). Only in single case there was history of previous repair attempt. On cystoscopy four had supratrigonal VVF and four were trigonal with mean size of 13.37 mm (7-20 mm). Mean operative time was 117.5 minutes (90-150). There were no intraoperative/postoperative complications or need for open conversion. Mean haemoglobin drop was 1.4 gm/dL (0.3-2 gm). Drain was removed once 24-48 hours output is negligible. One patient had post-operative urinary leak at 2 weeks which ceased with continuation of catheterisation for another 2 weeks. Catheter was removed after voiding cystourethrogram showed no leak at 2-3 weeks postoperatively. Mean duration of drain was 3.75 days (3-5) and per urethral catheterisation (which was removed after voiding cystourethrography) was 15.75 days (9-28). Mean hospital stay was 6.62 days (4-14). Post-operative bladder capacity was 324.28 cc (280-350) on voiding diary. Follow up ranged from 3-9 months. At 3 months of follow-up, these patients continued to void normally and there was no evidence of recurrence of VVF. Conclusion Robotic repair of VVF is safe and feasible and has additional advantages in the form of precise suturing under 3D vision and certainly a more striking and effective option especially in complex VVF repair associated with ureteric injuries (2).

[Anterior pelvic exenteration. Report of a case]. / Exenteración pelvica anterior. Reporte de un caso.

Anterior pelvic exenteration is the last opportunity to control disease in a patient with cervical cancer in an advanced stage with a vesico-vaginal fistula, or in a patient with persistence of the disease and the need of improving the quality of life. In this case we present the cause of a 62 year old patient, with IVa stage cervical cancer, with bladder spread and a vesico-vaginal fistula treated with an anterior pelvic exenteration with Bricker technique and adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy.

Minimally invasive management of urological fistulas.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urological fistulas are an underestimated problem worldwide and have devastating consequences for patients. Many urological fistulas result from surgical complications and/or inadequate perinatal obstetric healthcare. Surgical correction is the standard treatment. This article reviews minimally invasive surgical approaches to manage urological fistulas with a particular emphasis on the robotic techniques of fistula correction. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, many surgeons have explored a minimally invasive approach for the management of urological fistulas. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery and the reproducibility of reconstructive surgery techniques. Introduction of the robotic platform has provided significant advantages given the improved dexterity and exceptional vision that it confers. SUMMARY: Fistulas are a concern worldwide. Laparoscopic surgery correction has been developed through the efforts of several authors, and difficulties such as the increased learning curve have been overcome with innovations, including the robotic platform. Although minimally invasive surgery offers numerous advantages, the most successful approach remains the one with the surgeon is most familiar.

[Great vesicovaginal fistula after normal vaginal delivery in a developed country]. / Gran fístula vesicovaginal después de un parto eutócico. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric fistulas in developed countries are infrequent and have been associated with instrumental vaginal delivery, manual removal of placenta and surgical complications during caesarean section. We present the diagnosis and treatment of an obstetric fistula of patient without clear risk factors in a developed country. CASE REPORT: The case presented is of a 37 weeks pregnant with history of previous cesarean section. A male of 2,600 g was born after a not prolonged vaginal delivery. In the immediate postpartum period, appeared evident hematuria and in the exploration a defect was detected in the vaginal anterior face at 3 cm from the urethral meatus. Cystoscopy showed a torn in bladder of 8 cm at the bottom. Reparation of vesicovaginal fistula was carried out with omentoplasty. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: A vesicovaginal fistula must be considered in any patient with hematuria. Early repair is essential for a favorable outcome.