This important publication was developed through a collaboration between the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), bringing together international experts in fistula surgery.
The article was authored by L. P. Maljaars, J. Corcos, G. Ghoniem, J. T. W. Goh, T. J. Greenwell, D. Kupualor, R. Pope, S. Rachaneni, and M. C. Regmi.
The statement provides multidisciplinary, consensus-based recommendations to standardize the definition of surgical success following obstetric urinary pelvic floor fistula repair. Using a Delphi methodology, agreement was reached on key aspects of outcome definition, treatment and assessment, post-repair urinary incontinence, incurable fistula, and quality of life.
A central recommendation is that surgical success should be defined not only by anatomical closure of the fistula but also by the absence of residual urinary incontinence, emphasizing that closure alone is not sufficient. The paper further highlights the importance of objective postoperative assessment, appropriate evaluation and management of persistent symptoms, and the inclusion of patient-reported quality of life as a key outcome measure.
These consensus statements aim to support standardized reporting, improve patient care, and guide future research in the field of obstetric fistula.
We invite you to explore the full article and discover its important insights.