Demographics of patients with vesicovaginal fistula and its knowledge in local population

Objective: To assess the awareness and find out the most familiar cause of vesicovaginal fistula, factors responsible for delay in seeking treatment and the results of surgical treatment in our setup. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried in Department of Urology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from August 10, 2011 to August 20, 2017 using non probability convenient sampling technique. After informed consent, 150 female patients presented with sign and symptoms of vesicovaginal fistula were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 150 patients, 67(44.56%) were of less than 20 years while 43(28.66%) belonged to 20-30 age group; 91(60.66%) were illiterate. Obstructed labor was the commonest cause of vesicovaginal fistula observed in 106(70.66%) of patients followed by abdominal hysterectomy, LSCS, forcep delivery and vaginal hysterectomy in 23(15.33%), 11(7.33%), 7(4.66%) and 3(2.0%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: Commonest cause of vesicovaginal fistula was obstructed labor. Majority of patients were unaware about the curable nature of problem and the place where these types of patients are managed. Success rate of surgery was high in our setup. There is need to prevent the development of fistula by improving the awareness of the problem.