Vesicovaginal fistula

This code describes an abnormal communication or tract that forms between the urinary bladder and the vagina. This fistula allows urine to leak involuntarily from the bladder into the vagina, leading to continuous urinary incontinence. It often results from obstetric trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, or malignancy.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the presence of a vesicovaginal fistula, regardless of its etiology. This code is appropriate for initial diagnosis, follow-up care, or when managing complications related to the fistula. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the diagnosis, symptoms like urinary leakage, and findings from diagnostic tests such as cystoscopy or dye studies.

• Always look for documentation specifying the type of fistula; this code is specific to vesicovaginal.
• If the cause of the fistula is known (e.g., obstetric trauma, surgical complication), code the underlying cause first, if applicable, followed by this code.
• Distinguish from other genitourinary fistulas like urethrovaginal or rectovaginal, which have different codes.