Ethiopia: an epidemiological study of vesico-vaginal fistula in Addis Ababa

A 10% sample was drawn from 3000 records on vesicovaginal fistulae operations performed at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital for Poor Women with Childbirth Injuries and their content were analyzed. In 88% of the cases under review the operation was classified as successful. The results of this study underline the tremendous maternal health gains which can be achieved by appropriate obstetric care in case of obstructed labour. It also reinforced the need for early detection and referral of high risk births among the very young mothers who are likely to experience an obstructed labour, the loss of the child, vesico-vaginal fistulae and possibly a ruptured uterus. In the absence of likely increases in the availability of transport, the building of waiting homes at maternal clinics is encouraged so that women can await delivery in the vicinity of a referral centre. There is a need for increased attendance of delivery by trained personnel as well as for continuing education for both staff and traditional birth attendants. It is further recommended to train former patients as helpers for the dedicated care which needs to be extended to the unfortunate, and often stigmatized victims.