Reasons for delay in accessing free treatment of obstetric fistula in South-East Nigeria ­ A qualitative study

Obstetric fistula continues to be a menace in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries. The national policy for its elimination makes surgical repair free in dedicated national centres. However, the majority of the clients present late for repair. The aim of the study was to explore the reasons for this delay in seeking treatment. It was a qualitative (exploratory) study carried out at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, Nigeria among obstetric fistula patients who presented for treatment with a duration of leakage of over six months. A consecutive sampling technique was used for patient recruitment. Data was collected from twenty patients using in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis of the responses and recurring patterns was done, with themes illustrated using the word cloud. The mean age of the participants was 37.1 years (range = 21-75 years) while the mean duration of leakage was 64.3 months (range = 8-564 months). Reasons for delay in accessing treatment of obstetric fistula were lack of awareness of the availability of free treatment in a specialized centre, delay in referral from index health care facilities, wrong information from health care workers, failed repairs at other health facilities, secondary delay due to transportation challenges, cultural beliefs and other issues peculiar to the patients. The commonest reason for the delay in accessing treatment for obstetric fistula is a lack of awareness on the part of patients, the public, and health workers. We recommend improved campaigns, advocacy, and community mobilization.

Les complications urologiques liées à la chirurgie pelvienne au CHU du Point-G, à propos de 23 cas

Introduction : Les lésions vésicale et urétérale constituent les complications urologiques les plus fréquentes survenant au décours d'une chirurgie pelvienne soit respectivement 1 à 4% et 0,5 à 3% [6,7]. Ces lésions sont rarement reconnues en peropératoire et posent un problème important auquel sont confrontés les urologues, les gynécologues, les chirurgiens généralistes. Objectif : Etudier les facteurs favorisants les complications urologiques consécutives à la chirurgie pelvienne au CHU du Point-G. Patientes et Méthode : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective réalisée au CHU du Point-G entre 2006 et 2015. Elle a concerné 23 patientes présentant toute une lésion urologique au décours d'une chirurgie pelvienne. Ces patientes ont subi un examen clinique et para cliniques (Urographie intra veineuse ; le test au bleu de méthylène) dans le but de confirmer la lésion urologique et d'en déterminer la prise en charge. Résultats : l'âge moyen de nos patientes était de 32,00 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 18 à 40 ans. La fuite d'urine était retrouvée chez 82,6% (19/23). Les interventions pourvoyeuses de lésions urologique étaient : la césarienne 52, 2% (12/23), l'hystérectomie 30, 4% (7/23), une association césarienne et hystérectomie 17,4 % (4/23). Le test au bleu de méthylène a été réalisé chez 19 patientes, il a été positif dans 12 cas soit 52,2 % et l'UIV chez 7 patientes. Les lésions rencontrées étaient : la fistule vésico-vaginale retro trigonale 10 cas, la fistule vésico-vaginale sous trigonale 2 cas, la fistule urétéro-vaginale 7 cas, et la ligature urétérale bilatérale 4 cas. La fistulorraphie a été effectuée dans 52,2 % suivie de la réimplantation urétéro-vésicale directe. Les suites opératoires étaient satisfaisantes dans 100% des cas avec l'obtention d'une bonne étanchéité vésicale. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 12 jours (+/- 4 jours). Conclusion : La chirurgie pelvienne est pourvoyeuse de lésions urologiques. La césarienne et l'hystérectomie sont des facteurs favorisants. Les fistules vésico-vaginales ou des lésions urétérales sont fréquentes

Vesicovaginal fistula diagnosis and repair, Benghazi, Libya (nine years of of experience)

Introduction: Although most of vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are iatrogenic, they can also occur as a result of congenital anomalies, neoplastic changes, and complications of radiotherapy. In rural areas, the obstructed labor may lead to the development of VVF. However, the most common cause of VVF in developed areas is iatrogenic damage of the bladder tissue.Aim: To confirm that the immediate repair of iatrogenic urinary bladder injures during obstetric or gynecological surgeries prevents VVF formation, and to identify optimal time and outcome of surgical techniques of VVF repair.Patients & Methods: Prospective study was carried over 9 years and included 95 patients. These patients were divided into two groups; one group underwent immediate intra-operative repair of urinary bladder injuries (n=76), while other group presented with VVF and underwent either reconstructive or urinary diversion surgeries on elective bases (n=19).Results: The mean age of 19 cases having VVF was 29.4 ± 8.4 years. One case was missed and other 18 cases underwent abdominal repair (n=8), vaginal repair (n=5) and permanent urinary diversion (n=5). The time of repair ranged from 2 day to 7 months after detection of VVF. The success rate of post-surgical VVF repair was 92.3%.Conclusion: Immediate repair of urinary bladder injuries during obstetric or gynecological surgeries prevents development of VVF. Post-surgical VVF repair can be done in first post-operative days before inflammatory changes takes place. The result of VVF repair depends on the experience of the surgeon rather than the used surgical techniques

Etude des facteurs influencant les resultats cliniques de la chirurgie de la fistule uro-genitale obstetricale au CHU de l'hopital du Point G Bamako Mali

Le but de cette etude etait d'identifier les facteurs influencant les resultats cliniques de la chirurgie de la fistule uro- genitale obstetricale. Il s'agissait d'une etude transversale; qui a porte sur les facteurs influencant les resultats dans la prise en charge de fistule uro-genitale; allant du janvier 2011 au janvier 2012 au service d'urologie du CHU du Point-G. Cette etude a concerne 115 patientes souffrantes de fistule uro-genitale. La cure de la fistule uro-genitale a represente 17 % des activites du bloc. La fermeture de la fistule a ete obtenue dans 68;7% des cas. Ce resultat a ete influence par certains facteurs; dont les facteurs lies a l'etat du tissu peri-fistuleux (bonne trophicite du tissu; ou fibrose peri-fistuleux). Les fistules operees avant tout remaniement tissulaire peri-fistuleux ont ete fermees dans 71;42 % des cas. Les facteurs lies a la patiente et aux soins : celles operees pour la premiere fois ont un taux de reussite de 68;42 %; seulement 47;62 % de succes chez les patientes qui se sont presentees apres cinq ans. Les facteurs lies au siege anatomo-clinique : les fistules de la cloison vesico-vaginale et cervico-uretro-vaginale ont occupe un taux de succes de 76;92 %. Les facteurs lies aux soins regroupent : l'experience du chirurgien; les chirurgiens du service d'urologie contrairement aux autres chirurgiens ont 76;19 % de reussite contre 25%. La voie d'abord de la fistule etait en rapport avec le siege anatomo-clinique; ainsi les fistules trigonales et uretero-vaginales abordees par la voie haute ont ete reussies dans 85 %. En plus de ces facteurs le suivi post-operatoire; les instruments; les fils de suture; la table operatoire; l'eclairage de la salle ont amelioree aussi les resultats

Five Years Experience of Ureterovaginal Fistulae Following Obstetric or Gynecological Intervention in Ethiopia

To study the etiology; presentation and outcome of women presenting to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital with an ureterovaginal fistula. Patients and Methods Women presenting with ureterovaginal fistulae following obstetric or gynecological intervention. The operating register from June 2004 to July 2009 was studied to identify women who had undergone ureteric re-implantation. Patient files were reviewed and only women with fistulae resulting from iatrogenic injury were included. Results Ureterovaginal fistulae were found in 89 women; 64 after Caesarean section; of which 43 were for a stillborn baby; 12 women have uterine rupture; 6 with instrumental delivery and only 7 with abdominal hysterectomy. The left ureter was most frequently injured (54). The number of patients seen has doubled over the past two years. Using one of four methods of repair; 88 women were continent at discharge from hospital. One died from a suspected pulmonary embolism. conclusion The incidence of iatrogenic ureteric injury is increasing in Ethiopia and most result from Caesarean section. The reasons should be studied. Using a variety of repair techniques; all patients can be cured. However; surgeons undertaking this surgery should have a wide range of urological training

Vesicovaginal Fistula: a Review of Nigerian Experience

BACKGROUND: Vesicovaginal fistula is a preventable calamity; which has been an age-long menace in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To review the causes; complications; and outcome of vesicovaginal fistula in Nigeria. METHODS: Studies on vesicovaginal fistula were searched on the internet. Information was obtained on Pubmed (medline); WHO website; Bioline Innternational; African Journal on Line; Google scholar; Yahoo; Medscape and e Medicine. RESULTS: Many Nigerian women are living with vesicovaginal fistula. The annual obstetric fistula incidence is estimated at 2.11 per 1000 births. It is more prevalent in northern Nigeria than southern Nigeria. Obstetric fistula accounts for 84.1-100of the vesicovaginal fistula and prolonged obstructed labour is consistently the most common cause (65.9-96.5) in all the series. Other common causes include caesarean section; advanced cervical cancer; uterine rupture; and Gishiri cut. The identified predisposing factors were early marriage and pregnancy; which were rampant in northern Nigeria; while unskilled birth attendance and late presentation to the health facilities was common nationwide. Among the significant contributory factors to high rate of unskilled birth attendance were poverty; illiteracy; ignorance; restriction of women's movement; non-permission from husband; and transportation. All but one Nigerian studies revealed that primiparous women were the most vulnerable group. Pregnancy outcome was dismal in most cases related to delivery with still birth rate of 87-91.7. Stigmatization; divorce and social exclusion were common complications. Overall fistula repair success rate was between 75and 92in a few centres that offer such services. CONCLUSION: Vesicovaginal fistula is prevalent in Nigeria and obstetric factors are mostly implicated. It is a public health issue of concern

Review of Obstetrics Genito-urinary Fistulae in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar; Nigeria

Obstetric fistulae with Urinary incontinence are one of the most distressing maternal morbidities. It is associated with physical and social deprivation such as wife abandonment and violent reactions against the victims particularly in the developing countries of the world. To study the demographic and reproductive profiles as well as management of patientswith obstetric fistulae inUCTH;Calabar;Nigeria. Afiver-year retrospective study of case records of 37 patients managed inMaternity Annex of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; Calabar Nigeria for obstetric genito-urinary fistulae was carried out. One in every 122 parturients during the period had fistula. Eleven (29.7) were teenagers. Many patients weremarried (54.1); nulliparous (59.4); come from low socioeconomic class (72.9) and did not utilize modern obstetric facilities properly. Many cases resulted from prolonged obstructed labour (51.4) and 70.2presented with total incontinence of urine. Eighteen (48.7)were diagnosed within 6 month of delivery. Themain types encountered includedwere vesico-vaginal (34.4) or complex (10.8) fistulaewho were manage conservatively (21.6) or with bladder repairs. Majority (29.7) were referred for further treatment. Parturient in Calabar still suffer from this age long obstetric morbidity mainly due to poor utilization of modern obstetric care facilities. Results of treatment are largely unsatisfactory; therefore resources should be channeled towards prevention

Contributing factors of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) among Fistula Patients in Dr.Abbo's National Fistula et Urogynecology Centre - Khartoum 2008

"Background: Vesico-vaginal Fistula (VVF) is defined as an abnormal communicating tract extending between the bladder (vesico-) and the vagina resulting in continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault. Vesico-vaginal fistula is still a persisting scourge in the developing countries; including Sudan in which new cases of obstetric fistula were estimated to occur every year"" #he ob$ectives of this work were to study the contributing factors of vesico-vaginal fistula in Sudanese patients"" Methods: the design was descriptive; cross-sectional; community-based study"" A total of 2 patients with vesicovaginal fistula presented to the Fistula (entre in )Khartoum Teaching hospital from July to August 2 ;; were investigated using an administrated; semi-structured questionnaire"" Results: The study revealed that 44""2of patients were 1;-24 years old; "";were teenagers when married (1; yrs old)"" While 7of the patients were illiterates; 62"";were married to illiterate husbands"" (; "";) were poor; (4 ""4) were from western regions of Sudan"" The study showed that labor was responsible for 9 ""4of VVF of whom 9""6were primiparous; 42""6delivered at home"" It was found that 4 ""4of the total deliveries were by forceps as long as 27""7were emergency caesarian sections"" (3""2) of the deliveries were attended by traditional birth attendants and ""3of cases stayed in labor for more than 24 hours; as long as 3""2were not in regular antenatal care"" Conclusion:The vesico-vaginal fistula in Sudan resulted mainly from obstructed labor"" the victim was mostly a young woman; a primigravida; who was poor; illiterate; not on regular antenatal care et being in labor more than 24 hours"" Most deliveries were carried at home; attended by traditional Birth Attendants in most cases"" the deliveries were mostly assisted by forceps; or conducted as emergency caesarian sections"" To prevent VVF; the study suggested raising awareness of women at bearing age; improve transportation; besides inclusion of the issue in the curricula of schools and universities"""

Results and predictions of success of vesico-vaginal fistula repair at a national reference level in Rwanda

Objective:Vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF's) cause enormous harm to women in developing countries. This prospective study intends to highlight epidemiological; etiological and pathological data; and to define predictors of surgical results in a national referral hospital setting. Material and Methods:All consecutive patients with VVF presenting at the Kigali Hospital Centre of Rwanda between 1997 and 2001 were included. Data on epidemiology; pathology; therapy and outcome were prospectively obtained. The risk factors for therapeutic failure were identified by multivariate analysis. Results Ninety eight percent of all cases were of obstetrical origin. Twenty five percent of VVF were categorized as simple; 64as complex and 11as complicated. Complete closure and continence were obtained in 87 (77.7) cases and closure with moderate incontinence in 7 cases (6.3). In 18 cases (16) closure failed even after 3 surgical attempts. The independent risk factors for therapeutic failure were vaginal fibrosis (p0.001) and total destruction of the bladder p=0.002).Conclusion: We conclude that failure is basically linked to the level of destruction of the bladder neck as well as the magnitude of pelvic scarring. Surgery of complex and complicated VVF remains a challenge and requires multi-skilled surgeons. The lasting solution is the development of maternity services and the training of health personnel in reproductive health

Resultats du traitement chirurgical des fistules uro-genitales a propos de 40 cas

Les auteurs rapportent leur experience sur le traitement des fistules uro-genitales. Ils obtiennent de tres bons resultats dans 90 pour cent des cas