Obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger

Objective: To determine the epidemiologic and therapeutic characteristics of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger. Methods: From December 2003 to February 2005, 111 consecutive patients with vesico-vaginal fistulas presenting for treatment were included and prospectively followed up. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were re-evaluated 3 months after surgery. Results: Among the 104 patients treated surgically 87% were aged between 15 and 36 years; 84% were married before they were 19 years old; 51% were divorced; and 80% did not live with their husbands. The fistula was caused by the first delivery in 43% of the patients; 93% were in labor for more than 24 hours; 35% were delivered at home; and perinatal death was 100%. The overall cure rate was 73%. Conclusion: These epidemiologic characteristics provide data towards the development of an obstetric fistula prevention program in Niger.