Surgical repair of genital fistulae — analysis of 62 cases in a tertiary hospital

Objectives To determine the etiology of genital fistulae and the outcome of treatment. Methods A total number of 62 women with genital fistulae were managed during the period of January 2001 to December 2007. Fifty seven cases were urogenital and five cases were rectovaginal fistulae. They were analyzed with regards to the age, parity, etiology, mode of treatment and outcome. The route of repair was individualized according to the appropriate access of fistulae. Results Obstetric complications were the leading cause (79.03) of genital fistula. Majority (78.94%) of urogenital fistulae were treated surgically through vaginal route. Out of 57 cases of urogenital fistulae, 51 cases were repaired successfully in the first attempt and three patients were cured at the second repair. The overall cure rate achieved was 94.8%. All of the five rectovaginal cases were closed after a single attempt. Conclusions A high percentage of patients with genital fistulae can be repaired by the experience of surgeon, team work and meticulous surgery with conventional approach.