Sunday 11 / May / 2025
Muscat: The department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Hospital performed the first laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair in the Sultanate to two female patients.
This specific laparoscopic approach was performed by RH medical team headed by Dr Faiza Al Darmaki, female urologist and pelvis reconstructive surgeon, in cooperation with Dr Abduarahman Al Farsi, oncology and obstetrics senior consultant, and Dr Thuraya Al Rawahi, Ob/Gyn senior consultant, along with nursing and anaesthetic staff.
Dr Faiza Al Darmaki explained that complicated childbirths and hysterectomy due to benign and malignant tumours are of the prominent factors that cause this health condition.
Performing this surgical approach with a view to keeping abreast of up-to-date techniques and methods in the fields of gynaecology treatment has stopped the patients suffering from the VVF besides reducing health and psychological effects, added Al Darmaki.
Laparoscopic repair is now a well-established modality in the management of VVF compared with those of open abdominal procedures. It is demonstrated only by three small-sized slots ranging between 1-1.5 cm.
The benefits of this laparoscopic approach technique to repair VVF can be traced in its higher success rate, and a lower rate of complications thereby enabling faster recovery.
Dr Al Darmaki pointed out that two patients were followed up for several months postoperatively. No side effects were noted and no symptoms associated with condition were experienced.
The rare female medical staff specialized in performing this type of technique poses an apparent challenge, Dr Faiza noted.
It is worth mentioning that the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Royal Hospital has recently launched several specific specialities in the field of gynaecology to keep pace with the latest modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods in line with patients' aspirations for the best health care.
