Obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the epidemiologic and therapeutic characteristics of obstetric vesico-vaginal 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%.


CONCLUSIONS
These epidemiologic characteristics provide data towards the development of an obstetric fistula prevention program in Niger.
Nafiou
I
I
University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger.
Idrissa
A
A
Ghaïchatou
A K
AK
Roenneburg
M L
ML
Wheeless
C R
CR
Genadry
R R
RR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009548:Niger; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014719:Vesicovaginal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy