Obstetric urogenital fistula: the Ilorin experience, Nigeria

A study of thirty-four cases of obstetric urogenital fistula managed over a ten-year period (1st January, 1989 to 31st December, 1998) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital is reported. The incidence of obstetric urogenital fistula is 1.1 per 1000 births. The condition is associated with illiteracy and poorly supervised delivery. The peak incidence is in 15-19 years age group and primipara accounting for 26.5% and 50% respectively. Prolonged obstructed labour was the most common aetiological factor in 28 (82.4%) of cases. Juxta-cervical region was the most common site of obstetric urogenital fistula. Eight (23.5%) patients were separated/divorced from their husbands. Obstetric urogenital fistula can be prevented by improving socio-economic condition of the populace, educating the populace to utilize health facilities and advice against teenage pregnancy. Labour should be supervised by trained health personnel and difficult labour referred early to appropriate health care facility.