RESUMO
Obstetric fistula, an abnormal connection between a woman's genital tract and urinary tract or rectum, can be physically and psychosocially debilitating. We describe a sustainable obstetric fistula surgical trip model that includes providers from Women and Infants Hospital at Brown University. These surgical trips provide pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care to patients with fistulae at Kibagabaga Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. To ensure patients are prepared for the recovery process after fistula surgery, the team created a post-operative education curriculum that includes illustrative visual aids and teaching guides translated into Kinyarwanda, focusing on topics including urinary catheter care, wound care, and pain management. Through this program, the team is committed to restoring women's dignity through fistula repair as well as providing a model for delivery of sustainable surgical care in low-resource settings. Involvement of trainees into a global health team like this can benefit both the trainee and the patients served.
Assuntos
Obstetrícia/educação , Fístula Retovaginal/cirurgia , Fístula Vesicovaginal/cirurgia , Adulto , África Subsaariana , Feminino , Humanos , Complicações do Trabalho de Parto , Gravidez , Fístula Retovaginal/reabilitação , Ruanda , Apoio ao Desenvolvimento de Recursos Humanos , Resultado do Tratamento , Fístula Vesicovaginal/reabilitaçãoRESUMO
This article examines the social and physical causes of obstetric fistulas, as well as resulting social and psychological consequences. Preventative strategies are addressed using Niger as a microcosm for this devastating condition that affects two million women worldwide.