Where are fistulas most commonly found?
Fistula Definition: A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that connects two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. They can develop anywhere between an intestine and the skin, between the vagina and the rectum, and other places. The most common location for a fistula is around the anus.
What are the 5 main risk factors for obstetric fistulas?
Seven primary risk factors for obstetrical fistula commonly reported include the place of birth and presence of a skilled birth attendant, the duration of labor and the use of a partograph, the lack of prenatal care, early marriage and young age at delivery, older age, lack of family planning, and a number of other ...
How common are fistulas after childbirth?
Each year between 50 000 to 100 000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening between a woman's genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum. The development of obstetric fistula is directly linked to one of the major causes of maternal mortality: obstructed labour.
What regions of the world have the highest rates of fistula?
Most fistulas occur in countries in sub-Saharan Africa or south Asia with poorly-resourced health systems. Women with obstetric fistula are indicators of the failure of health systems to deliver accessible, timely and appropriate intrapartum care.
Who is at risk for obstetric fistula?
Commonly reported primary risk factors for obstetrical fistula include the place of birth and presence of a skilled birth attendant, the duration of labor and early marriage, [22,23,24]. Also women with no antenatal care and those who delivered at home found to be in more risk of developing obstetric fistula [21, 25].
Is fistula common during pregnancy?
Obstetric fistula is a medical condition in which a hole develops in the birth canal as a result of childbirth. This can be between the vagina and rectum, ureter, or bladder....Obstetric fistulaUsual onsetChildbirthRisk factorsObstructed labor, poor access to medical care, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy9 more rows
Is obstetric fistula preventable?
Main Points. Obstetric fistula is entirely preventable; prolonged obstructed labor is estimated to account for 76% to 97% of cases. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 2 million women live with obstetric fistula and up to 100,000 new cases occur each year.
Can cesarean cause fistula?
Fistulas may develop immediately after a cesarean section, manifest in the late puerperium or occur after repeated procedures. Spontaneous healing is reported in 5% of cases. Vesicouterine fistulas present with vaginal urinary leakage, cyclic hematuira (menouria), amenorrhea, infertility, and first trimester abortions.
What causes fistula during childbirth?
In women, fistulas involving the genital and urinary tracts are the most common and happen due to prolonged or obstructed childbirth, injury during pelvic surgery, infection, inflammation, or radiation treatment in the pelvis or genital area.
What is obstetric fistula in Africa?
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that destroys a woman's life. It leaves her incontinent, humiliated, and—all too often—shunned by her community. Surgery is the only cure. Today, at least one million women in Africa and Asia needlessly suffer from untreated fistula.
What are the three types of obstetric fistula?
Different types of obstetric fistulavesicovaginal fistula (VVF), between the bladder and vagina.urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), between the urethra (bladder outlet) and vagina.rectovaginal fistula (RVF), between the rectum and vagina.ureterovaginal fistula, between the ureters (kidney tubes) and the vagina.More items...
What is fistula in Ethiopia?
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of childbirth injuries called obstetric fistulas. The organisation was founded by Dr Reg Hamlin OBE and Dr Catherine Hamlin AC in 1974. They were in Ethiopia to train midwives when they discovered the terrible plight of the fistula patients.