In order to study the aetiology of vesico-vaginal fistula in
Jordan, and assess the outcome of surgical treatment, 132 cases
of acquired vesico-vaginal fistulae treated at Al-Bashir
Hospital, and Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, during
the period between 1972 and 1996 were reviewed. Forty-five cases
(30%) had one or more previous failed repair outside these
hospitals. Successful repair of 108 cases was achieved (82%), 60
cases of them from the first attempt (45%) and, 48 other cases
after repeated attempts (36%). In 24 cases, a total of 72
repeated operations failed. Obstetric fistulae in Jordan are
decreasing due to improvement and expansion of maternity care.
Although a patient with neglected fistula is a social problem,
this is not the case in Jordan because of the strong family
ties. Nevertheless, they present a great challenge to the
gynaecologist. Referral to a centre experienced in this type of
surgery certainly improves the success rate, and diminish the
suffering of these patients.
Institution
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jordan University
Hospital, Amman. |