Upper Tract Treatment of Urogenital Fistulas at the National Fistula Treatment Center (CNTF)

Abstract

Introduction: Urogenital fistula is the existence of an abnormal pathway between a urinary organ and a genital organ. It is a public health problem because of its frequency and social aspect. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of urogenital fistulas by the upper route at the National Fistula Treatment Centre in N’Djamena. Material and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive and analytical study from May 2011 to April 2021. The records of all patients who had received fistula treatment during this period were identified and analysed. Results: During the study period 2369 patients were managed for cure of urogenital fistula including 84 by the upper route, i.e. 3.5%. The mean age was 28.5 ± 8.13 years. Loss of urine was the most common reason for consultation (71.4%). Primigravida were represented in 50% (n = 42). The average gestational age was 3.2 ± 2.8 with extremes of 0 to 9 pregnancies. Obstetric aetiology was the most common (92.8%). Ureterovaginal fistulas were the most common anatomoclinical type (36.9%). Uretero-vesical reimplantation was the main surgical procedure (41.7%). Late postoperative follow-up was successful in 85.7% of cases. Conclusion: Urogenital fistulas are common in our practice. The only way to combat this scourge is through prevention through information, education and communication.