E-Posters-Patient Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Women with Obstetric Fistula Treated in Benin, West Africa

Patient Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Women with Obstetric Fistula Treated in Benin, West Africa - Whitney L. Clearwater, MD, MPH

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The study focuses on patient factors and clinical outcomes of women with obstetric fistula (OF) treated at a referral hospital in Benin, Africa. OF is a debilitating condition that affects millions of women worldwide, leading to urinary and fecal incontinence, infertility, and other complications. Limited data on risk factors for surgical repair failure exists, and this study aims to address this gap in knowledge.<br /><br />The study included 49 women who underwent surgical repair of complex OF. The majority of the participants had low social status, poor obstetrical histories, and risk factors for treatment failure. The surgical repair was successful in most cases and involved relatively simple techniques with few complications.<br /><br />The only variable associated with persistent fistula after repair was the presence of preoperative urethral transection. No variables were significantly associated with postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI).<br /><br />This study provides valuable insights into the patient factors and clinical outcomes of women with OF in Benin, Africa. It highlights the importance of identifying risk factors for treatment failure to improve patient selection, counseling, and surgical technique. Further research is needed to better understand and address the challenges faced by women with this condition.<br /><br />Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on obstetric fistula and emphasizes the need for comprehensive care for women with this condition, including access to emergency obstetric care and surgical repair.

Keywords

obstetric fistula

patient factors

clinical outcomes

referral hospital

Benin

Africa

urinary incontinence

fecal incontinence

infertility

surgical repair failure