Expert decries rising cases of VVF in Akwa Ibom

Reproductive health expert, Prof. Ileogben Sunday-Adeoye, has decried rise in the number of Visco Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Akwa Ibom.

Sunday-Adeoye, who specialises in Obstetric Fistula and Reproductive Health, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the first quarter surgical operation for VVF/RVF patients in the Family Life Centre, Mbribit Itam, yesterday.

VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder (Vesico) and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.

The professor, who is also the Executive Secretary of, International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons said the number of VVF patients seemed not to be reduced based on available statistics.

He attributed the increase of VVF patients to the presence of spiritual homes and traditional birth attendants, with no basic medical knowledge about pregnancy and delivery, and called on pregnant women, husbands, parents and all stakeholders to ensure that deliveries are done in medical centres, manned with medical professionals to avoid complications.

“I come here quarterly to assist in VVF surgery. I have been coming since 2013. We had surgery on Jan.24, and we hope to complete four operations today.
 
“I am disturbed by the number of patients, which has not reduced. Factors provoking VVF should have been addressed, which include spiritual homes, all manner of traditional birth attendants. Nothing has changed since 2013
 
“The burden has remained unchanged since 2013, we need to join hands to make sure that our sisters and mothers do not have to go through this trauma.

The Matron in Charge of Family Life Centre, Rev. Sis. Sylvia Ndubuaku said this year’s surgical operations started on January 16 with the arrival of patients.

Ndubuaku said that 27 patients had been registered for the January camp, adding that the patients would be prepared before they enter theatre for operations.

She said there would be four camps this year to handle the surgical operation of patients suffering from VVF/RVF in the centre.

The matron said that last year alone, the centre registered 145 patients, 111 VVF and 27 RVF, while seven were both VVF/RVF.

Ndubuaku said that out of the number registered, 93 were operated upon, while 52 were referred for further medical examination.

The matron said that treating of VVF is very demanding as patients are mostly the poor, and could hardly pay for treatments.

She attributed the major causes of VVF to prolonged obstructed labour during childbirth, advised against teenage pregnancy.