Prognostic factors and long‐term outcomes of obstetric fistula care using the Tanguiéta model

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors influencing the long-term prognosis after surgical repair of obstetric fistula, establish a prognosis-based classification system, and examine changes in quality of life after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of 308 women who underwent obstetric fistula repair at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital, Tanguieta, Benin, between 2008 and 2016, and were supported by a multidisciplinary management model. All participants were from rural areas of Burkina Faso. The women completed interviews before, immediately after, and 2, 4-6, and 12 months after surgery to assess their clinical state and socioeconomic and psychologic status. RESULTS: Overall, the fistulae of 230/274 (83.9%) women were considered to be repaired after 12 months. Factors associated with poor repair outcome included the presence of sclerotic tissue (odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.53) and intraoperative complications (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07-0.39). Women with successful surgery had a better quality of life as compared with women with an unrepaired fistula (Ditrovie score, 1.1 vs 3.9; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary Tanguieta model for management of obstetric fistula allowed successful fistula closure, thereby facilitating the women's long-term social reintegration, and improved quality of life.