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Obstetric Fistula

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Childbirth Trauma

Abstract

Obstetric fistula is common in developing countries as a result of unattended prolonged obstructed labour. Evaluation of obstetric fistula is based on history and clinical examination. Continuous urinary or stool leakage started soon after a long labour that ended usually with stillbirth in a low resource area is highly suggestive of obstetric fistula. To date, there is no consensus regarding the classification of obstetric fistula. Multiple classification systems have been proposed, but all the present classifications of obstetric fistula are of limited clinical use because of the lack of impact on treatment outcome. Surgical treatment with closure of fistulous tract and reconstruction of local anatomy is the mainstay of therapy. Persistent urinary incontinence after successful surgical repair is the most concerning problem; additional continence surgery is usually needed. In experienced hands, the success rate of surgery varies around 80–90 % after the first surgical repair. Postoperative care should be focused on appropriate bladder drainage and early identification of complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 11-13, Blvd. Ion Mihalache, Bucharest, 71117, Romania

    George Iancu MD

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Correspondence to George Iancu MD .

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  1. St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Stergios K Doumouchtsis

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Iancu, G. (2017). Obstetric Fistula. In: Doumouchtsis, S. (eds) Childbirth Trauma. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6711-2_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6711-2_15

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