[Obstetric vesicovaginal fistulas, about 131 cases].

BACKGROUND

Vesicovaginal fistulas are the most frequent type of urogenital fistulas. Obstetrical cause remains the dominant etiology. They still represent a public health problem. Aim : to study epidemiological aspects of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulas and their management.

METHODS

a retrospective multicentric study among 19 hospital departments from February 1982 to January 2007.

RESULTS

131 VVF (92% of urogenital fistulas). The vaginal route for surgical repair was used in 2/3 cases. The mean diameter of the fistula was 11.35 mm. In 122 cases (86.5%), the fistula was unique. IVU findings were normal in 83% cases. All patients had normal renal function apart one who had acute renal failure. 177 interventions were performed (1.37 intervention per patient).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a regression in obstetrical VVF. However many efforts on institutional, socioeconomic and obstetrical levels have to be done in order to eradicate this pathology that is of major handicap for women regarding socioeconomic, functional and psychological effects.