Vesicocutaneous Fistula: A Rare Complication of Pelvic Trauma

Background: Vesicocutaneous fistula is a rare type of urinary fistula. It is often distressing and may negatively impact on the quality of life of an affected person. Our aim in this case report is to document a case of vesicocutaneous fistula following pelvic trauma from road traffic accident and share our experience in the management of this condition. Case Report: We report the case of a 30 year-old primipara who had urinary incontinence following pelvic trauma sustained from road traffic accident. Examination findings were in keeping with vesicocutaneous fistula. She subsequently had surgical repair of vesicocutaneous fistula which was successful. Conclusion: This case report highlights pelvic trauma as one of the causes of urinary fistula and the key role of surgery in its management.

Endocervical Swab Microbial Isolates among Women with Third Degree Uterovaginal Prolapse

Background: Uterovaginal prolapse is the descent of the uterus through the vaginal canal. This may be a predisposing factor to infections in the urogenital system. This study aimed to assess the endocervical swab microscopy, culture and sensitivity in patients with third degree uterovaginal prolapse at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional prospective study to assess the endocervical swab microbial findings in patients with third degree uterovaginal prolapse using simple random sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic variables, risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse, and endocervical swab findings among women with third degree uterovaginal prolapse were collated and analysed using statistical methods. Results: The mean age and parity were 50.5 years ± 9.1 and 6.7 ± 2.0 respectively. Thirty-six (85.7%) of the clients were grandmultipara and 37 (88.1%) were farmers. Pus cells were present in all samples while 27 (64.3%) had microbial isolates. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated in 7 (16.7%), Streptococcus faecalis in 5 (11.9%), Escherichia coli in 5 (11.9), Staphylococcus aureus in 4 (9.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2 (4.8%) and Yeast cells in 4 (9.5%) of the endocervical swabs. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin. Bacterial isolates were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Conclusion: This study showed growth of pathogenic organisms from the endocervix of women with third degree uterovaginal prolapse. A 100% sensitivity to gentamicin was observed in the study.

Enterovesical Fistula Complicating Myomectomy: A Case Report

Background: Enterovesical fistula is an abnormal communication between the bladder and the gastrointestinal tract. It is an uncommon type of genital fistula, occasionally complicating pelvic surgeries. However, it is the most common type of fistula associated with diverticular disease of the colon. Other causes include cancer, trauma and iatrogenic injuries. Pneumaturia and fecaluria usually implies enterovesical fistula. Enterovesical fistula complicating myomectomy is an uncommon finding. Our aim is to report a case of enterovesical fistula following myomectomy. Case presentation: She is a 33-year-old nullipara who presented at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria with a history of fecaluria, pneumaturia and haematochezia which started after myomectomy. Feculent fluid was obtained on urethral catheterization. Cystography was suggestive of enterovesical fistula. Conclusion: Enterovesical fistula is a possible complication of myomectomy. A high index of suspicion for this rare but potentially devastating condition is important for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Prostate Specific Antigen Screening among Men in Abakaliki, South East Nigeria

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Nigerian men. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is produced by the prostate gland and it is an important tumor marker in the screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer because the latter is often associated with elevated PSA levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and PSA levels of men presenting for prostate cancer screening at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 103 patients who were seen between January 2014 and December 2015 and screened for prostate cancer using PSA assay. Data was extracted from folders of patients using a proforma and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. Result: Out of the 103 clients studied, 67 (65%) were between the ages of 40 and 59 years. The mean age was 54.38 ± 12.5 years. Eighty-one (78.6%) of the study population had PSA levels 4 ng/ml and below, 5 (4.9%) had PSA levels of 4.1 - 10 ng/ml, while 17 (16.5%) had PSA levels > 10 ng/ml. The mean PSA was 4.75 ± 8.2 ng/ml. None of the patients with family history of cancer had PSA levels of >4 ng/ml. Those who were positive for HIV also had normal PSA results. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that the prevalence of men with raised PSA (>4 ng/ml) was high (21.4%) especially in the 60 - 69 years age group. There is need to increase prostate cancer screening using PSA in our setting. The use of other parameters such as digital rectal examination, PSA density, PSA velocity and free PSA will be helpful to determine the need for histological diagnosis in these patients.

Awareness of Obstetric Vesicovaginal Fistula among Pregnant Women in a Rural Hospital

Background: Giving birth should be a period of joy, but for more than half a million women, their pregnancy and childbirth end in death while some develop vesicovaginal fistula. Vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal communication between the bladder and the vagina leading to continuous leakage of urine through the vagina. Little is known about the perception of pregnant women about obstetric fistula and this group of women are those who are at risk of the disease. Our aim therefore was to evaluate the level of awareness of vesicovaginal fistula among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a rural hospital. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Mile 4 missionary Hospital, Abakaliki, between 1st of May and 1st of July, 2017. Data was collected with the use of questionnaire. Ethical clearance was gotten from the institutions ethical committee. Results: Their mean age was 27 ± 5 years and mean parity was 2 ± 2. Awareness of vesicovaginal fistula was 57.8%. Risk factors identified for vesicovaginal fistula were prolonged obstructed labour, instrumental vaginal delivery, caesarean section and short stature. Only 80 (39.2%) believed vesicovaginal fistula could be treated. Conclusion: Awareness of vesicovaginal fistula in the study population was 57.8%. A significant number of women were not aware that vesicovaginal fistula could be treated.

Perception of Caesarean Section among Pregnant Women in a Rural Missionary Hospital

Introduction: Caesarean section is the delivery of a foetus through an incision made on the uterus. It is useful in situations where vaginal delivery is not feasible. Women in our setting usually see it as a reproductive failure and a sign of weakness. Our aim was to evaluate the perception of caesarean section among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a rural missionary hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Mile 4 missionary hospital, Abakaliki among women attending routine antenatal clinic. Information was obtained from respondents with the aid of a questionnaire. Ethical clearance was obtained for the study. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: A total of 209 pregnant women participated in this study. Their age ranged from 14 to 43 with a mean age of 27 ± 5 years. One hundred and seventy two women (82.3%) have heard of caesarean section in the past. Eighteen (8.6%) have had caesarean section in the past while 5 were not willing to undergo the procedure again. Sixty (28.7%) are not willing to undergo caesarean section even when it is indicated. Conclusion: Despite awareness of caesarean section, women do not appear to have a positive attitude towards the procedure.