Obstetric Fistula is a debilitating condition that can occur in women as a complication of prolonged and obstructed childbirth ( vaginal delivery ). An Obstetric Fistula is basically an abnormal opening or passageway that forms between the vagina and nearby organ. It is a childbirth injury that has been largely neglected, despite the devastating impact it has on the affected women. It is commonly seen in poor young women, especially in the developing countries with underdeveloped medical facilities

Prevalence

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) defines Obstetric Fistula as an abnormal opening between a woman’s vagina and bladder and/or rectum through which her urine and/or feces leak continually. The overall prevalence is quite low. They are much more common in developing countries where women have less financial and geographical access to appropriate medical care. Quite understandably, they are extremely rare in developed nations, where sporadic cases may be found due to iatrogenic causes like radiation therapy or past surgery. The WHO estimates that more than 2 million women live with the condition and up to 100,000 new cases occur each year. A vast majority of these cases occur in the sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Obstetric Fistula Treatment

Types of Obstetric Fistula

  • Vesico-vaginal Fistula – Between urinary bladder and vagina
  • Urethro-vaginal Fistula –Between the urethra ( tube that carries the urine out of the bladder for excretion ) and vagina
  • Rectovaginal Fistula – Between the rectum and vagina
  • Vesico-uterine Fistula – Between the urinary bladder and uterus


What are the causes of Obstetric Fistula?

The most common cause of an Obstetric Fistula is a prolonged or obstructed labor. When the fetus does not fit through the mother’s pelvis, a forced vaginal delivery can cause extreme pressure leading to tissue damage. In the absence of availability of a Cesarean section, the result is usually a stillborn baby with damage to the tissues leading to uncontrollable passage of urine and feces into the vagina. The women most commonly at risk include very young women ( including girls subjected to child-marriage ) having their first child.

Other causes are:
  • Malignancy or radiation therapy for malignancy
  • Injury during obstetric or gynecological surgery
  • Infection
  • Genital mutilation, sexual violence

What are the symptoms of Obstetric Fistula?

The abnormal passage formed between the vagina and the surrounding organ entails that the woman would continually leak urine and/or feces. This means she would be constantly wet and soiled and emit a foul odor, being shunned by husband and society. The woman may have to endure social isolation, economic deprivation and depression.


Complications

  • Genital soreness – Skin excoriations and ulcerations due to urinary ammonia deposition on the skin.
  • Painful intercourse
  • Constipation
  • An infected Fistula can form an abscess
  • Reproductive organ damage
  • Secondary infertility
  • Kidney damage
  • Mental and emotional isssues – Social isolation, depression, stigmatization

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of obstetric fistula is done by physically examining the walls of the vagina. Vaginal infection is confirmed with blood and urine tests. An X-Ray or MRI may be needed to identify damaged tissue. Endoscopy is required to find out type and size of fistula.

Obstetric Fistula Treatment

The surgical closure of an Obstetric Fistula is the most effective way to treat this condition. Quality of life improves dramatically for the majority of women after successful fistula repair. Women are able to return to their normal lives; interact freely with their families and friends and lead a healthy married life.

About 80% to 90% of women with Vesico-vaginal Fistula can be cured by a simple vaginal surgery. The more complicated fistulas may require multiple attempts before continence is achieved.

As Healing Hands is a Proctology Clinic, we specialize in treating Recto-vaginal Fistulas. The Fistula is repaired in layers. Primary reconstruction is done. Sphincter repair is done. This is followed by vaginal wall repair. Finally, the rectal mucosa is repaired.

Frequently asked questions

1.Is obstetric fistula preventable?

     Prenatal care, with early identification of at-risk pregnancies and referral to tertiary centers for delivery is an important measure for prevention. Cesarean sections need to be more widely available as an option for the treatment of obstructed labor.

2.What post-operative care is required after the Obstetric Fistula repair?

     The patient is confined to bed rest for 2 weeks and she also abstains from intercourse for 3-4 months.

3.What is the ideal time for repair of obstetric fistula?

     The complete recovery of tissue after surgery takes approximately 3 months.

4. Do I need to follow any specific diet after the procedure?

     No specific diet is required. Only healthy and fiber rich diet is recommended.

5. When can I go home?

     You may go home on the same day of surgery. In rare cases, one-night stay is required at the hospital. You must arrange someone to stay with you during the surgery and to drive you home afterward.