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Danish Medical Journal Dec 2014Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a sphincter-preserving procedure for treatment of anal fistulas described in 2007 by Rojanasakul et al. Several... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a sphincter-preserving procedure for treatment of anal fistulas described in 2007 by Rojanasakul et al. Several studies have since then assessed the procedure with varied results. This review assesses the relevant literature on this topic.
METHODS
The primary endpoints were healing rates, length of follow-up, time to recurrence and post-operative complications. The secondary endpoints were details of the operative technique. A search was made in the PubMed and Embase electronic databases. Reports where LIFT was combined with other fistula treatment techniques were excluded. Only reports in English were included. Most reports were case studies with no control groups. One report could not be retrieved.
RESULTS
A total of 19 original reports were assessed. Details concerning preoperative assessment, antibiotic usage and tract ligation methods varied considerably. Primary healing was achieved in 432 out of 612 (70.6%) patients, and no sphincter function impairments were reported. However, ten out of 19 reports did not include an objective assessment of pre- and post-operative continence. No apparent correlation between length of follow-up and healing rate was found, and the longest time to recurrence was eight months.
CONCLUSION
LIFT is a safe procedure that provided a mean healing of 70.6% with no reports of impairment of the sphincter function. Future reports should include a follow-up length of a minimum of eight months. It remains uncertain whether the outcome may be improved by prior seton suture insertion.
Topics: Anal Canal; Female; Humans; Ligation; Male; Organ Sparing Treatments; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Period; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 25441733
DOI: No ID Found -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Sep 2021Surgery is the clinically preferred treatment for high perianal abscesses. Incision and seton drainage improve the cure rate and reduce recurrence. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Surgery is the clinically preferred treatment for high perianal abscesses. Incision and seton drainage improve the cure rate and reduce recurrence. We aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical effect and safety of incision and seton drainage in the treatment of high perianal abscess.
METHODS
China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WanFang database, VIP database, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched and all relevant Chinese and English language documents until July 2021were retrieved. All records that described randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of incision and seton drainage for the treatment of high perianal abscess were eligible. Documents that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk Evaluation Standard, and Revman5.4 software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs were included. The results of nine studies showed that the clinical cure rate of the incision-seton group was higher than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Seven studies showed that the wound healing time of the incision-seton group was shorter than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Four studies showed that the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the incision-seton group was lower than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Five studies showed that the Wexner score of the incision-seton group was lower than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Six studies showed that the formation rate of anal fistula in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Six studies demonstrated that the recurrence rate of abscess in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Seven studies showed that the incidence of adverse events in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Five studies demonstrated that the length of stay in the incision-seton group was shorter than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05).
DISCUSSION
The choice of surgical methods in clinical research has always been controversial. The incision-seton method can effectively and safely treat high perianal abscess. However, the results of this meta-analysis still leave some gaps in the evidence. More large-sample, high-quality, and multi-center RCTs are needed.
Topics: Abscess; Anus Diseases; Drainage; Humans; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence
PubMed: 34628909
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2229 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Nov 2018To explore whether single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has the better short-term clinical and pathological outcomes than conventional multiport laparoscopic...
OBJECTIVES
To explore whether single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has the better short-term clinical and pathological outcomes than conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer.
METHODS
A literature investigation of MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), and Wanfang databases for relevant researches was performed. Fixed effects and random effects models were used to calculate the corresponding outcomes. Standardized mean difference and risk ratio were calculated for continuous and dichotomous variables separately.
RESULTS
Nine clinical controlled trials were composed of two randomized clinical trials and seven non-randomized clinical trials with a total of 829 patients. Two hundred ninety-nine (36.1%) patients underwent SILS, and 530 (63.9%) patients underwent CLS. The meta-analysis showed that SILS had more lymph node resection (SMD - 0.25, 95% CI - 0.50 to - 0.002) and less defecation time (SMD - 0.46, 95% CI - 0.75 to - 0.17), exhaust time (SMD - 0.46, 95% CI - 0.75 to - 0.18), and hospital stay (SMD - 0.30, 95% CI - 0.45 to - 0.15 than CLS. SILS was also accompanied with shorter incision length (SMD - 2.46, 95% CI - 4.02 to - 0.90), less pain score (SMD - 0.56, 95% CI - 0.91 to - 0.21), and lower complication rate (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.91). Blood loss, operative time, distal margin, conversion rate, anastomotic fistula, readmission, local recurrence, and distant metastasis showed no statistical differences in two groups. In all subgroup analysis, SILS also had advantages of incision length, operative time, defecation time, exhaust time, and hospitalization time than CLS.
CONCLUSION
SILS could be a more safe and reliable surgical technique than CLS for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer. However, further high-quality studies between these two techniques need to be further developed.
Topics: Colon, Sigmoid; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Neoplasms; Rectum; Sigmoid Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30414613
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-018-1521-4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2016A perianal abscess is a collection of pus under the skin, around the anus. It usually occurs due to an infection of an anal gland. In the UK, the annual incidence is 40... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A perianal abscess is a collection of pus under the skin, around the anus. It usually occurs due to an infection of an anal gland. In the UK, the annual incidence is 40 per 100,000 of the adult population, and the standard treatment is admission to hospital for incision and drainage under general anaesthetic. Following drainage of the pus, an internal dressing (pack) is placed into the cavity to stop bleeding. Common practice is for community nursing teams to change the pack regularly until the cavity heals. Some practitioners in the USA and Australia make a small stab incision under local anaesthetic and place a catheter into the cavity which drains into an external dressing. It is removed when it stops draining. Elsewhere in the USA, simple drainage is performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of internal dressings in healing wound cavities resulting from drainage of perianal abscesses.
SEARCH METHODS
In May 2016 we searched: The Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trial registries to identify ongoing and unpublished studies, and searched reference lists of relevant reports to identify additional studies. We did not restrict studies with respect to language, date of publication, or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Published or unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any type of internal dressing (packing) used in the post-operative management of perianal abscess cavities with alternative treatments or different types of internal dressing.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two studies, with a total of 64 randomised participants (50 and 14 participants) aged 18 years or over, with a perianal abscess. In both studies, participants were enrolled on the first post-operative day and randomised to continued packing by community district nursing teams or to no packing. Participants in the non-packing group managed their own wounds in the community and used absorbant dressings to cover the area. Fortnightly follow-up was undertaken until the cavity closed and the skin re-epithelialised, which constituted healing. For non-attenders, telephone follow-up was conducted.Both studies were at high risk of bias due to risk of attrition, performance and detection bias.It was not possible to pool the two studies for the outcome of time to healing. It is unclear whether continued post-operative packing of the cavity of perianal abscesses affects time to complete healing. One study reported a mean time to wound healing of 26.8 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.7 to 30.7) in the packing group and 19.5 days (95% CI 13.6 to 25.4) in the non-packing group (it was not clear if all participants healed). We re-analysed the data and found no clear difference in the time to healing (7.30 days longer in the packing group, 95% CI -2.24 to 16.84; 14 participants). This was assessed as very low quality evidence (downgraded three levels for very serious imprecision and serious risk of bias). The second study reported a median time to complete wound healing of 24.5 days (range 10 to 150 days) in the packing group and 21 days (range 8 to 90 days) in the non-packed group. There was insufficient information to be able to recreate the analysis and the original analysis was inappropriate (did not account for censoring). This second study also provided very low quality evidence (downgraded four levels for serious risk of bias, serious indirectness and very serious imprecision).There was very low quality evidence (downgraded for risk of bias, indirectness and imprecision) of no difference in wound pain scores at the initial dressing change. Both studies also reported patients' retrospective judgement of wound pain over the preceding two weeks (visual analogue scale, VAS) as lower for the non-packed group (2; both studies) compared with the packed group (0; both studies); (very low quality evidence) but we have been unable to reproduce these analyses as no variance data were published.There was no clear evidence of a difference in the number of post-operative fistulae detected between the packed and non-packed groups (risk ratio (RR) 2.31, 95% CIs 0.56 to 9.45, I(2) = 0%) (very low quality evidence downgraded three levels for very serious imprecision and serious risk of bias).There was no clear evidence of a difference in the number of abscess recurrences between the packed and non-packed groups over the variable follow-up periods (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.22 to 2.37, I(2) = 0%) (very low quality evidence downgraded three levels for serious risk of bias and very serious imprecision).No study reported participant health-related quality of life/health status, incontinence rates, time to return to work or normal function, resource use in terms of number of dressing changes or visits to a nurse, or change in wound size.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
It is unclear whether using internal dressings (packing) for the healing of perianal abscess cavities influences time to healing, wound pain, development of fistulae, abscess recurrence or other outcomes. Despite this absence of evidence, the practice of packing abscess cavities is commonplace. Given the lack of high quality evidence, decisions to pack may be based on local practices or patient preferences. Further clinical research is needed to assess the effects and patient experience of packing.
Topics: Abscess; Anus Diseases; Bandages; Drainage; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Fistula; Self Care; Time Factors; Wound Healing
PubMed: 27562822
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011193.pub2 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2024Considering the difficulty of treating complex anal fistula (CAF), various surgical techniques exist in clinical work. However, none are ideal. Evidence on the efficacy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Considering the difficulty of treating complex anal fistula (CAF), various surgical techniques exist in clinical work. However, none are ideal. Evidence on the efficacy and safety of different surgical treatments is scarce. The authors aimed to compare the outcomes of the 13 surgical techniques and tried to find the best surgical method for treating CAF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors searched worldwide databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed, from inception to March 2023. All randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of 13 surgical techniques were included according to the PICO principles. The indicators of the cure rate, the recurrence rate, the complication rate, the operating time, the postoperative pain on day 1 (VAS), and the postoperative incontinence in month 1 (Wexner) were extracted and analyzed using STATA software 15.1, Review Manager 5.4, and GeMTC14.3.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 2274 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison among any surgical interventions in terms of the cure rate ( P >0.05 Table 2) and recurrence rate ( P >0.05 Table 3). However, in terms of complication rate, fistulectomy was lower than FPS (Median: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02-0.70) or fistulotomy (Median: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.55), and fistulotomy was lower than EAFR (Median: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05-0.84), LIFT (Median: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02-0.66) or LIFT-EAFR (Median: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01-0.69) ( P >0.05 Table 4). The surface estimated the advantages and disadvantages under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA). The ranking results indicated that fistulectomy might have the lowest complication rate (SUCRA=7.9%). Because the network results of the operating time, the postoperative pain, and the postoperative incontinence contained no closed loops, the results of their probability ranking could only be referenced, demonstrating that fistulectomy might have the shortest operating time (SUCRA=23.4%), video-assisted modified ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (VAMLIFT) might have the lowest postoperative pain on day 1 (VAS) (SUCRA=0.4%) and LIFT might have the lowest postoperative incontinence in month 1(Wexner) (SUCRA=16.2%).
CONCLUSION
Fistulectomy might have the lowest complication rate, which might be the relatively superior surgical technique for treating CAF.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Ligation; Pain, Postoperative; Rectal Fistula; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37737881
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000776 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2016Although anorectal malformations (ARMs) are frequently encountered, rare variants difficult to classify have been reported. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although anorectal malformations (ARMs) are frequently encountered, rare variants difficult to classify have been reported.
METHODS
This study describes a patient with ARM and rectopenile fistula. The literature was reviewed systematically to assess the anatomical characteristics, clinical presentations and operations of this rare type of ARM.
RESULTS
Eight patients were reported in the six included articles. In three patients, the fistula extended from the rectum to the anterior urethra without communication with the skin. In one patient, the fistula, located deep in corpus spongiosum, opened to the ventral aspect of the penis without communication with the urethra. In the remaining four patients, the fistula extended from the rectum to the cutaneous orifice in the ventral aspect of penis, with communication or a short common channel with the urethra.
CONCLUSIONS
Imperforate anus with fistula extending into the penis is a rare variant of anorectal malformation. Unawareness of this lesion resulted in a delay of correct diagnosis and appropriate management. A thorough examination, including colonourethrography and fistulography, should be performed in all patients with a fistula opening in the ventral aspect of the penis.
Topics: Anorectal Malformations; Anus, Imperforate; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Penile Diseases; Rectal Fistula; Urethral Diseases; Urinary Fistula
PubMed: 27176040
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-016-0604-z -
BJS Open Jun 2019High perianal fistulas require sphincter-preserving surgery because of the risk of faecal incontinence. The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT)... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of endorectal advancement flap and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for cryptoglandular and Crohn's high perianal fistulas.
BACKGROUND
High perianal fistulas require sphincter-preserving surgery because of the risk of faecal incontinence. The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure preserves anal sphincter function and is an alternative to the endorectal advancement flap (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of these procedures in patients with cryptoglandular and Crohn's perianal fistulas.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library. All RCTs, cohort studies and case series (more than 5 patients) describing one or both techniques were included. Main outcomes were overall success rate, recurrence and incontinence following either technique. A proportional meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Some 30 studies comprising 1295 patients were included (AF, 797; LIFT, 498). For cryptoglandular fistula (1098 patients), there was no significant difference between AF and LIFT for weighted overall success (74·6 (95 per cent c.i. 65·6 to 83·7) 69·1 (53·9 to 84·3) per cent respectively) and recurrence (25·6 (4·7 to 46·4) 21·9 (14·8 to 29·0) per cent) rates. For Crohn's perianal fistula (64 patients), no significant differences were observed between AF and LIFT for overall success rate (61 (45 to 76) 53 per cent respectively), but data on recurrence were limited. Incontinence rates were significantly higher after AF compared with LIFT (7·8 (3·3 to 12·4) 1·6 (0·4 to 2·8) per cent).
CONCLUSION
Overall success and recurrence rates were not significantly different between the AF and LIFT procedure, but continence was better preserved after LIFT.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Crohn Disease; Cutaneous Fistula; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Humans; Ligation; Male; Middle Aged; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31183438
DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.50129 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology Feb 2020Radiotherapy (RT) is part of the standard of care management of most gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Even with advanced RT, systemic therapy, and surgical techniques,...
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy (RT) is part of the standard of care management of most gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Even with advanced RT, systemic therapy, and surgical techniques, locoregional recurrences or second primary cancers can still occur within previously irradiated fields, which can present challenges in delivering effective and safe treatment. Options for reirradiation are often limited, but given the favorable dosimetric aspects of proton-beam RT, it may provide an effective and safe re-irradiation option for patients with recurrent or second primary GI cancers.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement protocol, assessing for reports of proton-beam reirradiation for recurrent or second primary GI cancers, primarily via PubMed. From the initial 373 articles identified, 7 articles were ultimately included in the analysis.
RESULTS
The 7 included studies reported on proton-beam re-irradiation for the following disease sites: esophageal (n=2), pancreas (n=1), liver (n=2), rectal (n=1), and anal (n=1). Study sizes varied from as few as 1 to as many as 83 patients. Across studies, in patients who presented with tumor-related symptoms, palliation (stability/improvement) was achieved in 80-100% of the cases. Local control rates, with variable follow-up, ranged from 36-100%. All median overall survival values, when reported, were greater than 1 year. Across both liver studies, there were no cases of radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) from proton-beam re-irradiation. Across all studies, there were 2 acute (esophagopleural fistula in esophageal cancer, small bowel perforation in pancreatic cancer) and 1 late (esophageal ulcer in esophageal cancer) grade 5 toxicities, all favored to be due to progressive disease, rather than proton-beam re-irradiation. Two studies (1 esophageal, 1 rectal) generated comparison photon plans. One found that proton therapy reduced mean heart and lung doses, spinal cord dose, and lung V5Gy as compared to photon treatment, while resulting in higher lung V20Gy and V30Gy. The other found that protons decreased bowel V10Gy, V20Gy, and the dose to 200 and 150 cc of bowel, as compared to photons.
CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the published experiences, proton-beam re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary GI cancers appears effective for palliation, with good disease-control, limited toxicity, favorable dosimetry, and overall compares well with published non-proton-beam experiences. Given short follow-up, additional studies are warranted to determine if dosimetric advantages from proton therapy will translate into comparative toxicity benefits.
PubMed: 32175122
DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2019.09.03 -
BMC Surgery Feb 2023Treating complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease patients remains a challenge. Classical surgical treatments for Crohn's disease fistulas have been extrapolated...
BACKGROUND
Treating complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease patients remains a challenge. Classical surgical treatments for Crohn's disease fistulas have been extrapolated from cryptoglandular fistulas treatment, which have different etiology, and this might interfere with its effectiveness, in addition, they increase fecal incontinence risk. Recently, new surgical techniques with support from biological approaches, like stem cells, have been developed to preserve the function of the sphincter. We have performed a systematic literature review to compare the results of these different techniques in the treatment of Crohn's or Cryptoglandular fistula.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched systematically for relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that referred to humans, were written in English, included adults 18+ years old, and were published during the 10-year period from 2/01/2010 to 2/29/2020. Evidence level was assigned as designated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.
RESULTS
Of the 577 citations screened, a total of 79 were ultimately included in our review. In Crohn's disease patients, classical techniques such as primarily seton, Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tracks, or lay open, healing rates were approximately 50-60%, while in cryptoglandular fistula were around, 70-80% for setons or flaps. In Crohn's disease patients, new surgical techniques using derivatives of adipose tissue reported healing rates exceeding 70%, stem cells-treated patients achieved higher combined remission versus controls (56.3% vs 38.6%, p = 0.010), mesenchymal cells reported a healing rate of 80% at week 12. In patients with cryptoglandular fistulas, a healing rate of 70% using derivatives of adipose tissue or platelets was achieved, and a healing rate of 80% was achieved using laser technology. Fecal incontinence was improved after the use of autologous platelet growth factors and Nitinol Clips.
CONCLUSION
New surgical techniques showed better healing rates in Crohn's disease patients than classical techniques, which have better results in cryptoglandular fistula than in Crohn's disease. Healing rates for complex cryptoglandular fistulas were similar between the classic and new techniques, being the new techniques less invasive; the incontinence rate improved with the current techniques.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Fecal Incontinence; Crohn Disease; Rectal Fistula; Wound Healing
PubMed: 36740680
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-023-01912-z -
PloS One 2024Obstetric fistula repair failure can result in increased depression, social isolation, financial burden for the woman, and fistula care programs. However, there is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Obstetric fistula repair failure can result in increased depression, social isolation, financial burden for the woman, and fistula care programs. However, there is limited, comprehensive evidence on obstetric fistula repair failure in Sub-Saharan African countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure and associated factors among women who underwent surgical repair in Sub-Saharan African countries.
METHODS
To identify potential articles, a systematic search was done utilizing online databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) guideline was used to report the review's findings. I2 test statistics were employed to examine study heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used to assess the pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure, and the association was determined using the log odds ratio. Publication bias was investigated using the funnel plot and Egger's statistical test at the 5% level of significance. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were done to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. The data were analyzed using STATA version 17 statistical software.
RESULTS
A total of 24 articles with 9866 study participants from 13 Sub-Saharan African countries were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure in sub-Saharan Africa was 24.92% [95% CI: 20.34-29.50%]. The sub-group analysis by country revealed that the highest prevalence was in Angola (58%, 95% CI: 53.20-62.80%) and the lowest in Rwanda (13.9, 95% CI: 9.79-18.01%). Total urethral damage [OR = 3.50, 95% CI: 2.09, 4.91], large fistula [OR = 3.09, 95% CI: (2.00, 4.10)], duration of labor [OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.76], and previous fistula repair [OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.94, 3.45] were factors associated with obstetric fistula repair failure.
CONCLUSION
Women who received surgical treatment for obstetric fistulas in Sub-Saharan African countries experienced more repair failures than the WHO standards. Obstetric fistula repair failure was affected by urethral damage, fistula size, duration of labor, types of fistula, and history of previous repairs. Therefore, we suggest policy measures specific to each country to provide special attention to the prevention of all risk factors, including poor nutrition, multiparty, obstructed labor, and maternal age, which can result in conditions like large fistulas, urethral damage, and repeat repair, in order to reduce obstetric fistula repair failure.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Africa South of the Sahara; Labor, Obstetric; Risk Factors; Rectal Fistula; Prevalence; World Health Organization
PubMed: 38315695
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295000