The Obstetrical Vesicovaginal Fistula Still an Ongoing Tragedy of Developing Countries

Abstract

Objective:  To investigate the causes of Obstetrical Vesicovaginal fistula in mothers of developing countries.

Methods:  It is a descriptive study in which 56 patients with obstetric vesicovaginal fistulas were included in the study from Ist Jan 2006 to 31^st December 2008. It was carried out at Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore in Gynae /Obstetric unit-I.

Results:  There were 56 patients included in this study. 67.8% patients were in 21-29 years of age group. Only 17.8% patients received some kind of antenatal care, obstructed labour was seen in 71.4% of cases, 48.2% of patients were primi-gravidas. Caesarean sections were done in 12.5%, of cases caesarean Hysterectomies were done in 17.8% of cases, and for-ceps deliveries were carried out in 5% of cases only.

Conclusion:  The obstetrical Vesicovaginal fistula is still a tragedy of mothers in developing countries Antenatal Care, mana-gement of labour by appropriate and skilled persons, centralization and training of specialists for repair of fistulas are the key elements to fight against such mishaps.

Key Words:  Obstetric Fistula, Vesicovaginal (VVF), morbidity.