Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Incontinence After Successful Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Post-surgical urinary incontinence (UI) following vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair presents a significant challenge to patient quality of life.
• Factors contributing to persistent UI are multifactorial, including anatomical, obstetric, and sociodemographic elements, varying by population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) after anatomically successful vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair.
• To identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of UI post-VVF repair.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving 90 women who underwent anatomically successful VVF repair over 12 months.
• Data collected included demographic, obstetric, and fistula-related variables.
• Statistical analyses included bivariate, stratified, and multivariable logistic regression (p<0.05 significance).

Main Results:

• Postoperative UI was observed in 7.78% of participants.
• Fistula type demonstrated a significant association with UI (p=0.005), with circumferential fistulae posing the highest risk.
• Multivariable analysis confirmed fistula type as an independent predictor (aOR=6.82, p=0.017).

Conclusions:

• The complexity of the fistula, specifically its circumferential configuration, is the primary determinant of post-repair UI.
• Demographic and socioeconomic factors appear to have indirect influences on UI outcomes.
• Skilled surgical expertise and timely intervention are crucial for optimizing continence following VVF repair.