title: Genito-urinary fistula patients at Bugando Medical Centre.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Information was collected on 1500 obstetric fistula patients attending Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify high risk populations of fistula patients treated from 1998-2006.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective description study of 1294 patients treated for urine and faecal incontinence at BMC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Obstetrics and Gynaecological ward at Bugando Medical Centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1294 patients underwent surgical treatment of incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Of the 1294 surgical repairs, 84% of the patients were cured, 12% had stress incontinence and 4% failed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study shows that low education and poverty were the key factors in the development of fistula. Most obstetric fistulae can be cured, particularly during the first attempt by those properly trained in the skills. Prevention of genital fistula requires raising the education and social status of women including poverty reduction strategies, improving the quality of antenatal care. Increased access to Caesarean section is also needed for prevention of genitourinary fistulas.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bugando Medical Centre, P.O. Box 1370, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Gumodoka
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Mach
authors: C R
authors: CR
authors: Majinge
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014548:Urinary Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult