Dr. Margolis has a UNIQUE 30-year history repairing complex and recurrent fistulas.
A fistula is a hole in a tissue layer. Vaginal fistulas can develop as a hole between the rectum and vagina (rectovaginal fistula, RVF) or between the bladder and vagina (vesicovaginal fistula, VVF).
Vesicovaginal fistulas typically result from injuries incurred during prior gynecologic surgeries.
Many rectovaginal fistulas result from obstetric injuries (birth trauma). Because rectovaginal fistulas are less common in the United States, the average US ob/gyn surgeon has limited opportunities to become proficient in rectovaginal fistula repair. Even many urogynecology sub-specialists lack expertise with fistula repair.
Dr. Margolis was very fortunate to receive extensive training in fistula repair in Ghana 30 years ago. Since then, fistula repair has become an important and deeply meaningful part of his legacy. In recognition of the gifts of knowledge and experience he gained, Dr. Margolis helped to establish a fistula training program and fistula hospital in Uganda. He personally performs dozens of vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula repairs annually in the US and Uganda as well as leading a surgical volunteer mission trip to Uganda annually to train and empower the next generation of local Ugandan fistula surgeons.
Fistulas can profoundly impact quality of life. For example, Sarah Kramer (formerly Sarah Benjamin) experienced multiple ups and downs with unsuccessful fistula attempts before eventually connecting with Dr. Margolis.
“I had 28 questions written out for [Dr. Margolis] and he answered every one of them. He did not rush the appointment what so ever. He was very kind and I felt very comfortable.
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FISTULA FAQ
Sarah Kramer went on to chronicle her experience with persevering through the challenges of living with a fistula and the life-changing impact of successful surgical repair by Dr. Margolis on her blog, “Sarah with a fistula.”
What are the signs of a fistula?
Involuntary loss of urine, flatulence (gas), or stool from the vagina.
I had a fistula repair that failed. Why would another repair be any different?
Experience matters. Dr. Margolis has over 30 years experience repairing all manner of fistulas. He also trains fistula surgeons across the US and internationally, including residents and university faculty ob/gyns.
I would like to support a surgical mission to repair fistulas. How do I get involved?
Dr. Margolis is closely involved with annual volunteer surgical missions through a non-profit called MedLend to provide urogyn surgical services and to train the next generation of local fistula surgeons in underserved countries such as Uganda. Please consider making a tax-deductible donations to support MedLend in their mission supporting medical care in developing countries.