Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence after Obstetric Vesicovaginal Fistula Closure in Guinea

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence after closure of vesicovaginal fistula is any involuntary loss of urine that a patient complains of. We aim to study the risk factors for urinary incontinence after closure of obstetric vesicovaginal fistula in Guinea in order to develop preventive measures to reduce its incidence. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, multiple center cohort of women operated on for obstetric vesicovaginal fistula during a 10-year period. Results: In 1770 vesicovaginal fistulas operated, 1347 were closed. 180 women (13.36%) developed urinary incontinence. After multivariate analysis, the risk factors of urinary incontinence after closure of vesicovaginal fistula were: the patient’s age, the anatomical type III, iterative surgical intervention, the brevity of the urethra and decrease in bladder capacity. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence after closure of vesicovaginal fistula is a frequent problem in Guinea, the prevention of which should be integrated into the management of fistulas.