Obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger

Objective: To determine the epidemiologic and therapeutic characteristics of obstetric vesicovaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger. Methods: From December 2003 to February 2005, 111 consecutive patients with vesico-vaginal fistulas presenting for treatment were included and prospectively followed up. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were re-evaluated 3 months after surgery. Results: Among the 104 patients treated surgically 87% were aged between 15 and 36 years; 84% were married before they were 19 years old; 51% were divorced; and 80% did not Live with their husbands. The fistula was caused by the first delivery in 43% of the patients; 93% were in labor for more than 24 hours; 35% were delivered at home; and perinatal death was 100%. The overall cure rate was 73%. Conclusion: These epiderniologic characteristics provide data towards the development of an obstetric fistula prevention program in Niger. (C) 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.