Surgical repair of genital fistulae

Genital fistula is one of the serious childbirth injuries that can occur among women in the developing countries. Complex fistulae still represent a challenging management problem. We report our experience of managing genital fistulae at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan.

Eighty-seven women with genital fistulae were managed between January 1988 and December 2002. Sixty-eight cases were urogenital and 19 were rectovaginal fistulae. Three women had concomitant urogenital and rectovaginal fistulae. The position of patients for surgery and the route of repair were individualized according to the appropriate access to the fistulae.

Of the 68 cases of urogenital fistulae, 54 were successfully repaired at first attempt. Three patients were cured at second repair. A success rate of 83.8% was achieved. Four patient with ureterosigmoid anastomosis and seven patients who were lost to follow-up, were considered as failures. All of the 19 rectovaginal fistulae (100%) closed after single repair.

With an experienced uro-gynecologic team using conventional approach and meticulous repair, a high percentage of patients with genital fistulae can be rendered dry and continent.