Obstetric trauma is the commonest cause of urogenital fistulae

To determine incidence of different types of urogenital fistulae, their frequency and success rate of different methods of repair. This descriptive study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Urology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi from January 1997 to January 1998. A total of 44 patients were included in the study. Diagnosis was made by taking comprehensive history, detailed examination and appropriate investigations. Data regarding aetiological and risk factors was gathered. The incidence was 0.26%. Obstetric trauma, mostly prolonged and obstructed labour, was responsible for 53.3% cases and 40% were result of surgical trauma and miscellaneous causes. Forty percent of fistulae were vesico vaginal and same number was simple in type. Nearly 55% were repaired by abdominal route and 75% were successful in 1[st] attempt. Obstetric trauma was the commonest cause of urogenital fistulae. Majority were repaired by abdominal route and 75% were successful in first attempt. Improvement in maternity care in rural areas, easy approach to specialist care and better training of staff in instrumental deliveries may help to decrease the incidence of these fistule

Genital fistula--our experience.

Genital fistulas cause immense physical and psychosocial problem in women's life. The present study was conducted to note the varieties of genital fistula as well as their causative factors and the results of the operative corrections. Altogether 42 patients with different varieties of genital fistula were enrolled in the study. The causative factors of the genital fistulas, specially, that of vesicovaginal fistulas were thoroughly enquired. After confirming the diagnosis, the operative corrections were undertaken. Among the varieties of genital fistula, 76.19% were vesicovaginal fistula, 11.90% were rectovaginal fistula and 4.76%, 4.76% and 2.38% cases of ureterovaginal, urethrovaginal and vesicocervical fistulas respectively. The primipara women were the major sufferers of genital fistulas due to obstetric grounds. Regarding aetiologies of vesicovaginal fistulas, 71.87% patients had obstetric reasons, after prolonged labour, instrumental delivery and after caesarean section due to obstructed labour. Abdominal hysterectomy (44.44%) topped the list of the gynaecological causes of vesicovaginal fistulas. The cases of ureterovaginal fistulas were after abdominal hysterectomy. One case of urethrovaginal fistula was due to some chemical application for correction of genital prolapses. The rectovaginal fistulas were mostly due to obstetric reasons. The success rate after the first attempt of repair of vesicovaginal fistula was 82.75% and overall failure was 10.34%. The other varieties of fistulas were repaired with 100% success rate. The incidence of genital fistulas can be reduced by vigilant obstetric care and meticulous surgery.