Review of obstetrics genito-urinary fistulae in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Obstetric fistulae with Urinary incontinence are one of the most distressing maternal morbidities. It is associated with physical and social deprivation such as wife abandonment and violent reactions against the victims particularly in the developing countries of the world. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To study the demographic and reproductive profiles as well as management of patients with obstetric fistulae in UCTH, Calabar, Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHOD A five-year retrospective study of case records of 37 patients managed in Maternity Annex of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar Nigeria for obstetric genito-urinary fistulae was carried out. RESULTS One in every 122 parturients during the period had fistula. Eleven (29.7%) were teenagers. Many patients were married (54.1%), nulliparous (59.4%), come from low socioeconomic class (72.9%) and did not utilize modern obstetric facilities properly. Many cases resulted from prolonged obstructed labour (51.4%) and 70.2% presented with total incontinence of urine. Eighteen (48.7%) were diagnosed within 6 month of delivery. The main types encountered included were vesico-vaginal (34.4%) or complex (10.8%) fistulae who were manage conservatively (21.6%) or with bladder repairs. Majority (29.7%) were referred for further treatment. CONCLUSION Parturient in Calabar still suffer from this age long obstetric morbidity mainly due to poor utilization of modern obstetric care facilities. Results of treatment are largely unsatisfactory; therefore resources should be channeled towards prevention.