Patient Stories: exceptional support and care for vesico-vaginal fistula
I was initially diagnosed with a large fibroid. After surgery, I realised I had urine leaking and was later diagnosed as having a fistula.
There wasn’t a lot of advice, so I did some of my own research and eventually learnt about a doctor in London who had experience doing international fistula repairs. Unfortunately, this repair was unsuccessful, but a neighbour who worked for the NHS pointed me in the direction of Mr Ockrim.
I felt very vulnerable during this time, especially as I had to wait for treatment as it was during COVID. I wish there was more advice and support available around fistulas in the UK, to help others who also find themselves in my position.
Fortunately, Mr Ockrim was able to help. He saw me several times to discuss my situation, and conducted multiple tests. He explained my condition to me in detail, and told me he would try to do the surgery in a less invasive manner but that it might not be possible. I trusted Mr Ockrim completely, he was such a professional and I felt at ease with his expertise and duty of care toward my body, which is the most important thing and which I felt was lacking previously.
I had a good experience at King Edward VII’s Hospital: when I came for my operation it was comfortable and the staff were great. The young man who showed me to my room made me feel at ease by being kind and talkative. He recommended some good Jamaican restaurants in London, which is one of my favourite cuisines.
Mr Ockrim is a UK expert on fistulae, and I would always recommend him to others in my situation. Due to his care and expertise I am now almost fully recovered. After three surgeries and having to wear a catheter for a total of eight weeks in a six month period, I finally feel back to normal again.
“The patient had a vesico-vaginal fistula,” Mr Ockrim explains. “A vesico-vaginal fistula is a rare but devastating complication of pelvic surgery. It is a hole between the bladder and vagina which causes constant urinary leakage. Most can be repaired but should be seen by specialists with experience of dealing with this type of challenging surgery. we were able to perform a vaginal repair of the fistula and the patient had a good outcome.”
Mr Ockrim is a member of the national specialist centre in complex incontinence, fistula repair and mesh complications and has been chief investigator or co-investigator in 11 studies, has written over 100 peer-reviewed papers and delivered over 100 national and international presentations and invited lectures.
More information
- If you think you have a vesico-vaginal fistula or urinary complication and would like further advice, try speaking to your GP. (Don’t have a GP?)
- To discuss your symptoms with Mr Ockrim, you can contact us to book an appointment
- Additionally our Urology Department can provide further information and assistance in managing your symptoms
