VESICOVAGINAL AND RECTOVAGINAL FISTULAS: 12-YEAR RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT
Abstract
Background: Although the magnitude of obstetric fistulae (OF) is reported to have decreased inindustrialised countries, it is still a major problem in developing countries especially the fistulaeresulting from obstructed labour. Vesico-vaginal fistulae (VVF) are the most common and the mostfrequent type of urogenital fistulas. In most cases, surgery is required for treatment. The aim of thisstudy was to analyse the results of surgical treatment of VVF and Rectovaginal Fistulae (RVF) in atertiary level institution over 12 years period. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted atAyub Teaching Hospital, and Women and Children Hospital, Abbottabad. It included records of a totalof 74 patients who were surgically treated from 2001 to 2012. Results: Cause of VVF was obstructedlabour in 81.08% of cases, and it was iatrogenic in 18.92% cases. In the surgical treatment of primaryVVF transvaginal approach was used in 91.9%, while transabdomenal approach was used in 2.7%cases. In 54.1% of cases the VVF healed after a single surgical intervention, while in 45.9% casesmore-than-one operations were required. Conclusion: Birth trauma is still a major cause of VVF/RVFin our region. Prevention is possible with provision of sufficient health care and public awareness.Successful repair is possible with 1st surgery.Keywords: Obstetric fistulae, vesicovaginal fistulae, rectovaginal fistulae, iatrogenic, repair, womenReferences
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