Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula
Published on: July 11, 2013
Characteristics of obstetric fistulas and the need for a prognostic classification system
Ates Karateke1, Cetin Cam, Arman Ozdemir
1Department of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Zeynep Kamil Maternity Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Introduction:
To evaluate the need for a prognostic classification system for obstetric fistula (OF) with the data obtained by a voluntarily action for OF repair in a regional hospital and Niger, Africa.
Material And Methods:
Obstetric fistula (OF) characteristics of 51 women with vesicovaginal fistula in a fistula campaign in Maradi Regional Hospital, Niger were evaluated. Initial basic gynecological examination, methylene blue (MBT) test and direct cystoscopy were used to describe the characteristics of the lesions. Demographic and clinical data were compared with the existing literature.
Results:
In 31 (60%) cases were the sizes of the fistula greater than 4 cm. The urethra was circumferentially lost in 8 (15.7%) women. In 18 (35.3%) women the trigone was involved. Extensive fibrosis was present in 10 (19.6%) patients. Only in 11 (21.6%) patients without any obliterating scarring, neither the trigone nor urethra were damaged. Five (9.8%) patients had severe infection. Five (9.8%) had multiple lesions. Thirty-four (66.6%) had a history of at least one previous attempt for fistula repair. A significant proportion of women were divorced or abandoned from their husband, and socially isolated.
Conclusions:
A simple, reproducible and universally accepted scientific classification or staging system for OF dealing with outcomes rather than anatomic landmarks should replace the present proposed classification systems for prognostic and ethical purposes.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Formulating and Validating Nursing Diagnosis II
Risk nursing diagnoses represent clinical judgments of an individual, family, or community more vulnerable to developing the health problem than others...