VESICUVAGINAL FISTULA IN JORDAN

In order to study the aetiology of vesico-vaginal fistula in Jordan, a nd assess the outcome of surgical treatment, 132 cases of acquired ves ico-vaginal fistulae treated at Al-Bashir Hospital, and Jordan Univers ity Hospital, Amman, Jordan, during the period between 1972 and 1996 w ere reviewed. Forty-five cases (30%) had one or more previous failed r epair outside these hospitals. Successful repair of 108 cases was achi eved (82%), 60 cases of them from the first attempt (45%) and, 48 othe r cases after repeated attempts (36%). In 24 cases, a total of 72 repe ated operations failed. Obstetric fistulae in Jordan are decreasing du e to improvement and expansion of maternity care. Although a patient w ith neglected fistula is a social problem, this is not the case in Jor dan because of the strong family ties. Nevertheless, they present a gr eat challenge to the gynaecologist. Referral to a centre experienced i n this type of surgery certainly improves the success rate, and dimini sh the suffering of these patients. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.