DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i07.010

Pages: 1060-1063

Background: Vesicovaginal fistula remains a debilitating condition in developing countries, largely due to obstructed labor, delayed access to emergency obstetric care, and poor socioeconomic conditions. Understanding the clinical profile of affected women is crucial for improving preventive and treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 55 women with VVF were selected using convenience sampling. Clinical status was assessed through sociodemographic characteristics, parity, socioeconomic background, antenatal care status, causes of delay in reaching hospital, previous fistula repair attempts, and preoperative fistula characteristics including size, location, scarring, urethral involvement, and bony attachment. Results: Most women were multiparous (69.1%) and from low-income households (75.6%). Prior unsuccessful fistula repair was reported in several cases. Of the 55 fistulas, small fistulas were the most common (19 cases), and extensive fistulas were least frequent but had the poorest prognosis. Vaginal scarring varied from none (31 cases) to mild (14), moderate (4), and gross (6). Urethral involvement, circumferential fistulas, and bony attachment were significant adverse clinical findings. Two patients had bladder calculi, both of whom improved postoperatively. Conclusion: Women with VVF commonly present with multiple adverse clinical factors, including low socioeconomic status, delayed access to care, and complex fistula characteristics. Severe scarring, large fistula size, and urethral involvement indicate more complicated clinical status and challenge surgical management. Early obstetric intervention and improved maternal care services are essential for preventing such severe presentations.