Obstetric Fistula in Developing Countries: A Review Article

Obstetric fistula, one of the most devastating consequences ofprolonged obstructed labour, is a historical issue in the developedworld. However, it is still prevalent in resource poor countries likeEthiopia. The objective of this review article is to describe theepidemiology of obstetric fistula and its management, with specificemphasis on the experience of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.Published and unpublished literature on obstetric fistula wasreviewed, and expert opinions are used in augmentation. Mostobstetric fistulas result from neglected obstructed labour, oftenaffecting very poor, young, illiterate, rural women and girls. Thewomen are often in labour for days, helped by unskilled familymembers. They deliver a stillborn child, become incontinent ofurine and/or feces, and become outcast and divorced as a result.Surgical repair mends the lives of thousands of women, althoughnot all injured cases have access to treatment. Althoughprevention should be the ultimate goal, the need for curative careservices for the sufferers is shown to be significant.