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Paluku JL, Aksanti BK, Clemmer WC, Furaha CM, Kamabu EM, Kasereka JML, Kalole BK, Mukuku O, Tsongo ZK, Wembonyama SO, Mpoy CW, Juakali JS. Determinants and predictive model of failure of surgical repair of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reprod Health 2024; 21:42. [PMID: 38561789 PMCID: PMC10986004 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical repair of obstetric fistula aims to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the urinary tract, enabling affected women to regain their dignity and quality of life. However, such repairs can end in a failure. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive score to identify factors influencing failure of surgical repair of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula (FSROVVF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS This was an analytical cross-sectional study of 318 women with obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula (OVVF) who had undergone surgical management. A bivariate and then a multivariate analysis were performed. Score discrimination was assessed using the ROC curve and C-index, and score calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS Surgical repair of OVVF was unsuccessful in 16.98% of cases (54/318). After logistic modeling, six criteria emerged as predictive factors for FSROVVF: the presence of fibrosis (AOR = 5.01; 95% CI:1.73-14.49), the presence of 2 or more fistulas (AOR = 9.04; 95% CI:3.01-27.13), the association of OVVF with another anatomoclinical entity of fistula (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI:1.09-9.13), the fistula size > 3 cm (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI:1.36-9.76), the peri-operative hemorrhage (AOR = 7.01; 95% CI:2.33-21.03), and the post-operative infection (AOR = 178.89; 95% CI:26.09-1226.64). A score ranging from 0 to 13 points was obtained, of which a value ≤ 5 points defines a low risk of FSROVVF, a value between 6 and 8 points defines a moderate risk and value ≥ 9 points corresponds to a high risk of FSROVVF. The area under the ROC curve of the score is 0.925 with a sensitivity of 61.11%, a specificity of 96.59%, a positive predictive value of 78.57% and a negative predictive value of 92.39%. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the number of fistulas ≥ 2, fistula size > 3 cm, fibrosis, association of OVVF with other types of fistulas, peri-operative hemorrhage, and post-operative infection are factors predictive of FSROVVF. These six factors are key contributors to the score used to predict FSROVVF. Once validated, this score will inform and enable preoperative counseling regarding the prognosis and the chances of a successful outcome of surgical repair of OVVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lussy Paluku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Barthelemy Kasi Aksanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - William C Clemmer
- Department of Family Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, Orono, USA
| | - Cathy Mufungizi Furaha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eugénie Mukekulu Kamabu
- Department of Internal Medicine, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan M L Kasereka
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Benjamin Kambale Kalole
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Olivier Mukuku
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Zacharie Kibendelwa Tsongo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama
- Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Charles Wembonyama Mpoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jeannot Sihalikyolo Juakali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Paluku JL, Bartels SA, Kasereka JM, Aksanti BK, Kamabu EM, Mukuku O, Tsongo ZK, Wembonyama SO, Mpoy CW, Juakali JS. HEAL Africa score to predict failure of surgical repair of obstetric urethro-vaginal fistula in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:111. [PMID: 38341554 PMCID: PMC10858488 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstetric fistula (OF) repair surgery aims to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the urinary tract, allowing affected women to regain their dignity and quality of life. However, in some cases, this surgical repair may fail. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive score to identify factors associated with the failure of surgical repair of obstetric urethro-vaginal fistula (FSROUVF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METHODS This is an analytical cross-sectional study of 358 patients with obstetric urethro-vaginal fistula (OUVF) who received surgical repair. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses. Score discrimination was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, C-index, and score calibration according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS Surgical repair of OUVF failed in 24.86% of cases (89/358). After logistic modelling, 6 criteria predicted FSROUVF: the use of intravaginal indigenous products (AOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.51-8.53), the presence of fibrosis (AOR = 6.37; 95% CI: 1.70-23.82), the presence of 2 or more fistulas in the same patient (AOR = 7.03; 95% CI: 3.14-15.72), the total urethral damage (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.36-7.95), the fistula size > 3 cm (AOR = 5.65; 95% CI: 2.12-15.01), and the postoperative infection (AOR = 351.10; 95% CI: 51.15-2409.81). A score of 0 to 14 was obtained, with a value ≤5 points indicating a low risk of FSROUVF, a value between 6 and 8 indicating a moderate risk, and a value ≥9 points corresponding to a high risk of FSROUVF. The area under the ROC curve of the score is 0.938 with a sensitivity of 60.67%, a specificity of 96.28%, a positive predictive value of 84.38%, and a negative predictive value of 88.10%. CONCLUSION We report a FSROUVF rate in the DRC approaching a quarter of operative patients. Predictors of failure included fibrosis, presence of 2 or more fistulas, total urethral involvement, fistula size greater than 3 cm, postoperative infection, and use of intravaginal indigenous products. These factors are constitutive of the HEAL Africa score, which once validated, may have value in pre-operative counselling of patients. This study could be valuable for policy and strategies to address the problem of OUVF in the DRC and in resource limited settings more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lussy Paluku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Susan A Bartels
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Jonathan Ml Kasereka
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Barthelemy Kasi Aksanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eugénie Mukekulu Kamabu
- Department of Internal Medicine, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Olivier Mukuku
- Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Zacharie Kibendelwa Tsongo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Charles Wembonyama Mpoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jeannot Sihalikyolo Juakali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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El Ayadi AM, Obore S, Kirya F, Miller S, Korn A, Nalubwama H, Neuhaus J, Getahun M, Eyul P, Twine R, Andrew EVW, Barageine JK. Identifying opportunities for prevention of adverse outcomes following female genital fistula repair: protocol for a mixed-methods study in Uganda. Reprod Health 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38178156 PMCID: PMC10768188 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01732-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female genital fistula is a traumatic debilitating injury, frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor, affecting between 500,000-2 million women in lower-resource settings. Vesicovaginal fistula causes urinary incontinence, and other morbidity may occur during fistula development. Women with fistula are stigmatized, limit social and economic engagement, and experience psychiatric morbidity. Improved surgical access has reduced fistula consequences yet post-repair risks impacting quality of life and well-being include fistula repair breakdown or recurrence and ongoing or changing urine leakage or incontinence. Limited evidence on risk factors contributing to adverse outcomes hinders interventions to mitigate adverse events. This study aims to quantify these adverse risks and inform clinical and counseling interventions to optimize women's health and quality of life following fistula repair through: identifying predictors and characteristics of post-repair fistula breakdown and recurrence (Objective 1) and post-repair incontinence (Objective 2), and to identify feasible and acceptable intervention strategies (Objective 3). METHODS This mixed-methods study incorporates a prospective cohort of women with successful vesicovaginal fistula repair at approximately 12 fistula repair centers in Uganda (Objectives 1-2) followed by qualitative inquiry among key stakeholders (Objective 3). Cohort participants will have a baseline visit at the time of surgery followed by data collection at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and quarterly thereafter for 3 years. Primary predictors to be evaluated include patient-related factors, fistula-related factors, fistula repair-related factors, and post-repair behaviors and exposures, collected via structured questionnaire at all data collection points. Clinical exams will be conducted at baseline, 2 weeks post-surgery, and for outcome confirmation at symptom development. Primary outcomes are fistula repair breakdown or fistula recurrence and post-repair incontinence. In-depth interviews will be conducted with cohort participants (n ~ 40) and other key stakeholders (~ 40 including family, peers, community members and clinical/social service providers) to inform feasibility and acceptability of recommendations. DISCUSSION Participant recruitment is underway. This study is expected to identify key predictors that can directly improve fistula repair and post-repair programs and women's outcomes, optimizing health and quality of life. Furthermore, our study will create a comprehensive longitudinal dataset capable of supporting broad inquiry into post-fistula repair health. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05437939.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M El Ayadi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16Th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Susan Obore
- Department of Urogynecology, Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Kirya
- School of Health Sciences, Soroti University, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Suellen Miller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16Th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Abner Korn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16Th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Hadija Nalubwama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Neuhaus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monica Getahun
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Eyul
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Twine
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Justus K Barageine
- Department of Urogynecology, Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
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Kumsa H, Mislu E, Arage MW, Abera A, Hailu T, Tenaw LA. Successful surgical closure and continence rate of obstetric fistula in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1188809. [PMID: 37854165 PMCID: PMC10579803 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1188809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A female genital fistula is an abnormal connection between a woman's reproductive tract and her urinary tract or rectum. While numerous studies have aimed to determine the success rate of obstetric fistula closure in different health settings, there remains a significant scarcity of data on closure success rates and incontinence rates for various types of fistulas at the regional and sub-regional levels. The success rate reflects the continent's healthcare setup in regard to the World Health Organization standards. Thus, this study aims to determine the success of surgical closure and the continence rate of obstetric fistula in Africa. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis review includes studies conducted up to February 2023. Search engines like EMBBASE, Medline, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and ScienceDirect databases were utilized to find articles. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist was used to evaluate the quality of our review, which was conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. Heterogeneity was indicated by a p-value for I2 statistics of less than 0.05. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger regression asymmetry test. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA 16. Result This review includes 85 studies. A total of 24 countries from East, West, Central, North, and Southern African sub-regions were included. The overall pooled estimated rate of successful obstetric fistula closure is 86.15 (95% CI: 83.88-88.42). Moreover, the pooled estimated rate of successfully closed vesico-vaginal fistulas but with ongoing or residual incontinence (wet) was revealed as 13.41% (95% CI: 11.15-15.68). The pooled estimated rate of successfully closed rectovaginal fistulas and combined VVF and RVF are 91.06% (95% CI: 86.08-96.03) and 62.21% (95% CI: 48.94-75.49), respectively. Conclusions The rate of successful obstetric fistula closure in Africa is 86.15, which is higher than the WHO target. However, the surgical closure rate of a combined VVF and RVF is 62.2%, which is significantly lower than the WHO target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Kumsa
- School of Midwifery, College of Midwifery, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Esuyawkal Mislu
- School of Midwifery, College of Midwifery, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | | | - Atitegeb Abera
- School of Public Health, College of Midwifery, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Hailu
- School of Public Health, College of Midwifery, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Lebeza Alemu Tenaw
- School of Public Health, College of Midwifery, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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El Ayadi AM, Obore S, Kirya F, Miller S, Korn A, Nalubwama H, Neuhaus J, Getahun M, Eyul P, Twine R, Andrew EVW, Barageine JK. Identifying Opportunities for Prevention of Adverse Outcomes Following Female Genital Fistula Repair: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study in Uganda. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2879899. [PMID: 37205399 PMCID: PMC10187434 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2879899/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Female genital fistula is a traumatic debilitating injury, frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor, affecting between 500,000-2 million women in lower-resource settings. Vesicovaginal fistula causes urinary incontinence. Other gynecologic, neurologic and orthopedic morbidity may occur during fistula development. Women with fistula are stigmatized; limit engagement in social, economic, or religious activities; and report high psychiatric morbidity. Improved global surgical access has reduced fistula consequences yet post-repair risks impacting quality of life and well-being include fistula repair breakdown or recurrence and ongoing or changing urine leakage or incontinence. Limited evidence on risk factors contributing to adverse outcomes hinders interventions to mitigate adverse events, protecting health and quality of life after surgery. This study seeks to identify predictors and characteristics of post-repair fistula breakdown and recurrence (Aim 1) and post-repair incontinence (Aim 2), and to identify feasible and acceptable intervention strategies (Aim 3). Methods This mixed-methods study incorporates a prospective cohort study of women with successful vesicovaginal fistula repair at approximately 12 fistula repair centers and affiliated care sites in Uganda (Aims 1-2) followed by qualitative inquiry among key stakeholders (Aim 3). Cohort participants will have a baseline visit at the time of surgery followed by data collection at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and quarterly thereafter for 3 years. Primary predictors to be evaluated include patient-related factors, fistula-related factors, fistula repair-related factors, and post-repair behaviors and exposures, collected via structured questionnaire at all data collection points. Clinical exams will be conducted at baseline, 2 weeks post-surgery, and for outcome confirmation at symptom development. Primary outcomes are fistula repair breakdown or fistula recurrence and post-repair incontinence. In-depth interviews will be conducted with cohort participants (n ~ 40) and other key stakeholders (~ 40 including family, peers, community members and clinical/social service providers) to develop feasible and acceptable intervention concepts for adjustment of identified risk factors. Discussion Participant recruitment is underway. This study is expected to identify key predictors that can directly improve fistula repair and post-repair programs and women's outcomes, optimizing health and quality of life. Furthermore, our study will create a comprehensive longitudinal dataset capable of supporting broad inquiry into post-fistula repair health. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05437939.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Obore
- Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital
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Vesico-Vaginal Fistula in Females in 2010-2020: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3346-3364. [PMID: 34981462 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the Western world today, urogenital fistula, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), is rare. However, while it remains significant in developing parts of the world due to prolonged and obstructed labor, in this study, we systematically reviewed the existing literature, discussing VVF occurrence, its etiology, and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used electronic databases to search relevant articles from 2010-2020. The screening was performed with the help of Covidence. Relevant data from included studies were extracted in excel sheets, and final analysis was done using CMA-3 using proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Fifteen studies reported the VVF among the fistula series. The pooled result showed 76.57% cases of VVF (CI, 65.42-84.96), out of which 27.54% were trigonal, 55.70% supra-trigonal, and the rest with a varied description like circumferential, juxta-cervical, juxta-urethral. Obstetric etiology was commonly reported with 19.29% (CI, 13.26-27.21) with cesarean section and 31.14% (CI, 18.23-47.86) with obstructed labor. Hysterectomy was the commonly reported etiology among gynecological etiology (46.52%, CI; 36.17-57.19). Among different surgical treatments employed for fistula closure, 49.50% were by abdominal approach (CI, 37.23-61.82), and 42.31% by vaginal approach (CI, 31.82-53.54). Successful closure of fistula was reported in 87.09% of the surgeries (CI, 84.39-89.38). CONCLUSION The vesicovaginal fistula is the most common type of genitourinary fistula. Major causes of fistula are gynecological surgery, obstructed labor, and cesarean section. The vaginal approach and abdominal are common modalities of repair of fistula with favorable outcomes in the majority of the patients.
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