Contemporary Issues in Obstetric Fistula.

We discuss a variety of contemporary issues relating to obstetric fistula. These include definitions of these injuries, the etiologic mechanisms by which fistulas occur, the role of specialist fistula centers in diagnosis and management, the classification of fistulas, and the assessment of surgical outcomes. We also review the growing need for complex reconstructive surgical procedures, follow-up challenges, and the transition to a fistula-free world in which other pathologies (such as pelvic organ prolapse) will be of increasing importance.

Capacity building in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: Global Health Partnership beyond fistula care in Ethiopia.

Objective: Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that leaves women incontinent, stigmatized and often isolated from their families and communities. In Ethiopia, although much attention has focused on treating and preventing obstetric fistula, other more prevalent childbirth-related pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse, non-fistula-related incontinence and post-fistula residual incontinence, remain largely unattended. The lack of international and local attention to addressing devastating pelvic floor disorders is concerning for women in low- and middle-income countries.

Urinary tract infection among fistula patients admitted at Hamlin fistula hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) causes a serious health problem and affects millions of people worldwide. Patients with obstetric fistula usually suffer from incontinence of urine and stool, which can predispose them to frequent infections of the urinary tract. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the etiologic agents, drug resistance pattern of the isolates and associated risk factor for urinary tract infection among fistula patients in Addis Ababa fistula hospital, Ethiopia.

The changing face of obstetric fistula surgery in Ethiopia.

Objective: To examine the incidence and type of obstetric fistula presenting to Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia over a 4-year period.

Study Design: This is a 4-year retrospective survey of obstetric fistula treated at three Hamlin Fistula Hospitals in Ethiopia, where approximately half of all women in the country are treated. The operation logbook was reviewed to identify all new cases of obstetric fistula presenting from 2011 to 2015.

Prevalence of obstetric fistula and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in rural Ethiopia.

Introduction And Objective: Little is known about the extent to which women in low- and middle-income countries suffer with urological and urogynaecological complications of childbirth. This study measured the prevalence of obstetric fistula and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in east and north Ethiopia.

Methods: We randomly selected 23,023 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from 113 villages in East Harraghe, South Gondar and West Gojjam, Ethiopia.

Validation of a culturally compliant voiding platform for urodynamics in African vesicovaginal fistula patients.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Most patients in regions where obstetric vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are endemic void using a squatting posture. Additionally, many patients continue to have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following fistula closure. We designed and validated a prototype platform that allows urodynamic studies to be performed in a squatting position and conducted a pilot study to assess uroflowmetry in this patient population.