SUFU 2008 Winter Meeting - Repair Of Vesicovaginal Fistual: Lessons Learned In Africa

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Conferences
Article Date: 16 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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UroToday.com - Dr. Kristin Chrouser presented a phenomenal lecture that prompted a standing ovation. She recounted her experience providing care for underprivileged women in Africa with vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF), many of whom were ostracized and destitute due to their condition. Not only was her well-delivered lecture educational, but it was inspirational, both from a medical and a social aspect. Obstructed labor in Africa, where medical care is not readily accessible, is the cause of VVF in the majority of cases. The technical difficulties of addressing these complex VVFs notwithstanding, Dr. Chrouser described the grave conditions in which many of her African patients live their lives. Most reside in remote areas without electricity or affordable access to transportation to get to medical care. She depicted the dismal conditions under which she worked along side with her African surgical colleagues. She described reusing one-size-fits-all surgical gloves (size 7) and operating on complex and huge VVFs with a surgical field illuminated by a handheld flashlight.

Not only did her presentation provide the audience with an education regarding the social and medical hardships of these fellow human beings, but it also revealed the dire conditions under which our surgical colleagues are providing this admirable care. Discussion following Dr. Chrouser's presentation brought to light methods by which our community and society can be helpful, ranging from providing financial support to donating expired or unused medical supplies slated for disposal.

Presented by: Kristin L. Chrouser, MD at the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU) 2008 Winter Meeting - February 28 - March 2, 2008 Miami, Florida, USA

Reported by Kathleen Kobashi, MD - Head, Section of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Co-Director of The Virginia Mason Medical Center Continence Center - Seattle, WA USA and Clinical Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Washington - Seattle, WA USA

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