BSS, Rangpur
Surgical skills of obstetric and urologist surgeons are crucial during cesarean and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth for preventing the increasing number of new cases of iatrogenic fistula in the country.
Iatrogenic fistula is caused unintentionally by surgical inaccuracy during cesarean, urological and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth like in cases of injuries caused through sexual violence, female genital mutilation or accidents.
For instance, during a cesarean section, it is possible that the bladder is accidentally cut, resulting in a hole or abnormal opening through which urine leaks causing a type of iatrogenic fistula.
Noted obstetric, gynecology and fistula experts viewed this at a workshop on 'Safe Surgery' organized for Obstetric- Gynecology and Urologist surgeons by the Office of the Rangpur Divisional Director-Health here recently, a press release said.
The Director General of Health Services, UNFPA Bangladesh and LAMB Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) Project extended technical support in arranging the workshop.
Rangpur Divisional Director (Health) Dr Abu Zakirul Islam as the chief guest attended the event.
Ekushey Medal winner former Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Chief Executive Officer of MAMMS Institution of Fistula and Women's Health at Dhaka Professor Dr Sayeba Akhter and Deputy Medical Director and Consultant (Obstetrics-Gynecology) of LAMB Hospital Dr Beatrice Ambuane (Switzerland) were present as special guests.
Technical Officer of UNFPA Bangladesh Dr Animesh Biswas addressed the event virtually.
Program Manager of LAMB FRRei Project Mahatab Liton and its Deputy Project Manager Dr Tahmina Khatun Sonia also spoke.
The speakers said genital fistula is an abnormal opening in the female genital tract that causes uncontrollable, constant leakage of urine or feces while obstetric fistula is usually caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely medical intervention.
Conversely, iatrogenic fistula is caused accidentally by surgical mistakes like cuts in the bladder during cesarean, urological and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth causing constant leakage of urine.
The chief guest said surgeons could reduce the increasing rate of iatrogenic fistula patients through conducting cesarean and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth more skillfully with special precautionary measures.
"If a fistula patient is detected anywhere, we should give proper advice, take appropriate measures and provide adequate facilities to fistula patients," he said.
Dr Sayeba urged surgeons to take special precautions during surgery with maximum care and surgical skills so that no new fistula patients were unintentionally introduced to eliminate iatrogenic fistula in the present time.
