Abstract:
Obstetric fistula is a debilitating childbirth injury causing immense suffering for
women and girls with the condition. The majority of fistulas can be successfully
treated with a surgical repair, performed by a competent surgeon who has under-
gone specialist training and who works with a holistic fistula care team. As well as
surgical repair, a critical component of fistula treatment is meticulous postoperative
assessment to accurately determine surgical outcomes so that further treatment and
support can be provided as required, and the risk substantially reduced of any pa-
tient being discharged with associated ongoing problems, such as urinary retention
or residual/ongoing incontinence. Based on the opinions of experts in the field, these
good practice recommendations provide a practical and standardized protocol for the
correct assessment of surgical outcomes following vesicovaginal fistula surgery and
appropriate subsequent management.
