Analysis of Vesicovaginal Fistulas in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical Hospital: A Two Years Study

Abstract

Background: Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is still a persisting scourge in the developing countries with devastating medical and social consequences. These consequences were studied among patients presenting with vesico- vaginal fistula in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet. Objectives: To analyzethe vesico-vaginal fistula patients during the 2 years period. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet from May 2008 to April 2010 (2 years).Fifty-three hospitalized patients with vesico-vaginal fistula were selected by Inclusion and exclusion criteria, undergoing repair operation irrespective of age. After selection of the patients informed written consent was taken. Each patient was interviewed using the semi-structured questionnaire containing socio- demographic and other relevant information like age, occupation, education of the patient and her husband, age at marriage, age at 1* child birth, monthly income and detailed history of the delivery. Type of fistula and related examination of the fistula was also done and noted. Type of repair of vesico-vaginal fistula, postoperative complications and outcome was recorded in the same manner. Results: The mean age of the patients with vesico-vaginal fistula was 30.5 years (SD± 8.5; range, 18 to 52). Majority (73.6%) were between 21 to 40 years; and 52.8% patients were primipara, 81.1% patients were illiterate and 69.8%patientswere from lower social class. The aetiology of fistula were obstructed labour 49.1%, emergency lower segment caesarean section 37.7%, destructive delivery 11.3% and caesarean hysterectomy 1.9%.The repair operation was done of all patients in this series through vaginal approach. Repair was done first time in 83% and rest had history of failed repair. Postoperative complications were catheter block and urine leakage in 37.7% and urinary tract infection in 11.3% patients. Successful outcome was found in 79.2% cases. Causes of failure were severe scaring 36.5% difficult operation, catheter block and others each constituted 18.2% and large fistula 1.9%. Conclusion: Young primi are the victims of vesico-vaginal fistula, obstetric causes add up to form a major share of the etiology of vesico-vaginal fistula. Proper perinatal management is most important to reduce obs fistula formation.