title: Outcomes in obstetric fistula care: a literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To highlight the lack of consistency in the terminology and indicators related to obstetric fistula care and to put forward a call for consensus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent studies show at least some degree of statistical correlation between outcome and the following clinical factors: degree of scarring/fibrosis, fistula location, fistula size, damage to the urethra, presence of circumferential fistula, bladder capacity, and prior attempt at fistula repair.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consensus about basic definitions of clinical success does not yet exist. Opinions vary widely about the prognostic parameters for success or failure. Commonly agreed upon definitions and outcome measures will help ensure that site reviews are accurate and conducted fairly. To properly compare technical innovations with existing methods, agreement must be reached on definitions of success. Standardized indicators for mortality and morbidity associated with fistula repair will improve the evidence base and contribute to quality of care.
authors.affiliation: EngenderHealth, Fistula Care, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Arrowsmith
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruminjo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D032921:Consensus; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014719:Vesicovaginal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*