Duration of bladder catheterization after surgery for obstetric fistula

Objective: To compare the surgical outcome at discharge and at 6-months follow up in patients who underwent repair of obstetric fistulae with postoperative bladder catheterization for 10, 12, or 14 days. Methods: A retrospective study of 212 obstetric fistula patients who underwent repair with postoperative bladder catheterization for 10 days (group 1), 12 days (group 2), and 14 days (group 3) at the Bahir Dar Hamlin Fistula Center in Ethiopia. Fistulas were classified according to Goh's system. Results: There were 68 women (32%) in group 1, 62 women (29%) in group 2, and 82 women (39%) in group 3. There was a significant difference in the extent of urethral involvement, fistula size, and degree of vaginal scarring among the 3 groups, with the more extensively damaged patients catheterized for longer. Breakdown of repair was seen in 1.5% of patients in group 1, none in group 2, and 2% in group 3 (P = 0.47). Conclusion: Postoperative catheterization for 10 days may be sufficient for management of less complicated obstetric vesicovaginal fistulae.