What is an Obstetric Fistula?

Obstetric fistula is an enervating, female reproductive health condition, an injury that can occur as a complication of extended and obstructed vaginal delivery. In essence, it is an unusual opening or passageway created between the vagina/uterus and the urinary/excretory system organ close to it. It can have a crippling effect on the affected woman, but still, many women neglect it.

How Does It Happen?

A fistula in the birth canal is usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour. Some of the factors contributing to obstructed labour include pregnancy in adolescent girls before their pelvis is completely developed, twin pregnancy, malnourishment, poor health of the woman, and breech position of the baby. If obstructed labour is left untreated for long, the obstruction can interrupt the blood supply to the tissues in the woman’s pelvis leading to tissue necrosis and their shedding to leave a hole called fistula.

In developing countries where there is availability for advanced medical services and experienced gynaecologist surgeons to perform Caesarean sections, obstetric fistula is virtually no more prevalent. Mostly, this condition is noticed in poor or marginalised young women belonging to countries like Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa with underdeveloped medical facilities or who cannot afford medical services.

Other potential causes of an obstetric fistula are injury during an obstetric/gynecological surgery, malignancy or radiation therapy for cancer, infection, genital mutilation, or sexual violence faced by women. If one is suffering from this health concern and looking for its treatment, then they can visit Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery and can get in touch with Best Fistula Treatment Doctors in Hyderabad. The experts at the hospital can help one with this condition treatment using the most advanced technology and deliver them with best surgical outcomes.

Diagnosis of Obstetric Fistula

The gynaecologists in Hyderabad at Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery physically examine the vaginal walls of the patient to diagnose obstetric fistula. They may order the patient for blood and urine tests to check for vaginal infection. To spot damaged tissues, X-ray and MRI scans may be recommended. To know the type and size of the fistula, the surgeon would perform an endoscopy.

Result, Recovery, and Aftercare

Following the surgery, the patient may go back home on the same day. Rarely, does the patient get a hospital discharge after a one-night stay. The wound from the fistula or the surgical incision site usually heals in 4-6 weeks but may take up to 9 weeks to completely heal.

The patient is advised to take proper bed rest for 2 weeks and even abstain from sexual intercourse for about 3-4 months. There is no need to have a specific diet plan, only a healthy, fibre-rich diet is recommended. A urinary catheter may be required for a short period until the bladder is ensured to be properly functioning. The patient may be given stool softeners to avoid painful or difficult bowel movements following the surgery. Furthermore, the patient must avoid strenuous physical activities, take proper wound care, and avoid hot baths. The patient must sleep on their back and wear loose-fitting clothes until the incision site heals.

Beyond surgery, the fistula survivors must have their psychosocial and socioeconomic needs well addressed to ensure their complete healing and recovery. Counselling and other forms of support can help.