Significant obstetric-related pelvic floor injury is still all too common in many areas of the world. Vesicovaginal fistula formation typically results from obstructed labor in the setting of limited medical resources for the patient. Many people have dedicated their time and even their lives to repairing these types of pelvic floor injuries, which certainly can impact in a positive way on the quality of life of these suffering women. However, it is time to consistently combine surgical repair initiatives with education, training, and prevention strategies, as well as outcomes research in order to improve on these efforts. It is only through committed initiatives with all of these elements that we may be able to ultimately decrease the prevalence of these types of pelvic floor sequelae.

Objectives To assess factors influencing short-term outcomes of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repairs in community-dwelling women of Liberia, Africa. Methods Forty patients who underwent VVF repairs were analyzed. Primary outcome was continence status at 14 days post repair. Factors influencing continence status were characterized. Results The mean duration of leakage was 9.6 ± 8.3 years, (3 months–28 years). Thirteen (33%) had previous repairs, and 6 (15%) had multiple fistula sites. Twenty-eight (70%) were continent at catheter removal. First time repairs had a higher continence rate compared to women with previous repairs, 78% and 54% respectively (p= 0.15). Seven (47%) juxtaurethral repairs were considered failures, while only one (9%) juxtacervical fistulas remained incontinent (p= 0.069). Controlling for duration of leakage, women with previous repairs were significantly less likely to be continent (p = 0.04; adjusted OR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.005, 0.83). Conclusions Patients with previous VVF repairs and juxtaurethral fistulae experience lower success rates; surgery remains an effective treatment for many VVF patients.

Introduction and Hypothesis A pilot study exploring the utility and feasibility of use of a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) patient educational brochure. Methods Women awaiting or recently having undergone VVF surgery examined a 6-paneled educational brochure detailing the causes, treatment options and prevention methods of VVF. Participants answered demographic questions and gave detailed responses to a questionnaire that addressed the brochure material. Results Convenience sample of fifty patients with a mean age of 26.1 years participated. Universally, these women felt that the information they learned from the brochure was useful. Suggestions by participants regarding prevention of VVF included laboring in a hospital (80%), educating other women (30%), and discouraging early marriage (8%). Primary barriers to prevention and treatment included financial restraints (84%), and transportation difficulties (30%). Conclusion The utilization of a simple, low-cost educational brochure has the ability to educate women on the causes, treatment and prevention of VVF.

ObjectiveRural north-central Liberia has one of the world's highest maternal mortality ratios. We studied health facility birthing service utilisation and the motives of women seeking or not seeking facility-based care in north-central Liberia.DesignCross-sectional community-based structured interviews and health facility medical record review.SettingA regional hospital and the surrounding communities in rural north-central Liberia.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 307 women between 15 and 49 years participated in structured interviews. 1031 deliveries performed in the regional hospital were included in the record review.Primary outcomesDelivery within a health facility and caesarean delivery rates were used as indicators of direct utilisation of care and as markers of availability of maternal health services.ResultsOf 280 interview respondents with a prior childbirth, only 47 (16.8%) delivered their last child in a health facility. Women who did not use formal services cited cost, sudden labour and family tradition or religion as their principal reasons for home delivery. At the regional hospital, the caesarean delivery rate was 35.5%.ConclusionsThere is an enormous unmet need for maternal health services in north-central Liberia. Greater outreach and referral services as well as community-based education among women, family members and traditional midwives are vital to improve the timely utilisation of care.

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