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Characterization of colorectal symptoms in women with vesicovaginal fistulas
Author(s) -
Kirby Anna C.,
Gleason Jonathan L.,
Greer William Jerod,
Norman Andy J.,
Lengmang Sunday,
Richter Holly E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.08.005
Subject(s) - medicine , fecal incontinence , constipation , rectovaginal fistula , vesicovaginal fistula , population , quality of life (healthcare) , obstetrics , defecation , pelvic floor , visual analogue scale , gynecology , physical therapy , rectum , surgery , fistula , nursing , environmental health
Objective To characterize colorectal symptoms in women with a history of an obstetric vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). Methods Patients under evaluation with a VVF during two 2‐week surgical service trips to Evangel Hospital VVF Center in Jos, Nigeria, in 2010 were assessed for symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) using the Vaizey and Colorectal‐Anal Impact (CRAIQ) questionnaires. Women with rectovaginal fistulas were excluded. Each participant's impression of overall health was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (poor) to 15 (excellent). A study nurse translated questionnaires into native languages. Results The mean age of the 83 women included was 29 years. Three women (3.6%) reported FI and 42 (50.6%) reported constipation. All of the women with FI reported that it affected their quality of life on the CRAIQ. Average VAS score was 10.8 overall and 6.8 for women with FI. Conclusion In this population of women with VVF but no rectovaginal fistulas, we found a low prevalence of fecal incontinence and a high prevalence of constipation. Despite significant pelvic floor trauma resulting in VVF, the majority of patients appeared to have an intact bowel continence mechanism.