Analysis of Obstetric Fistula Management and Outcomes at Evangel Hospital, Jos, Plateau State

Obstetric fistula remains a significant gynaecological and public health challenge in North Central Nigeria, causing severe physical disability, social marginalisation, and psychological distress among affected women. This study analyses the clinical characteristics, surgical management approaches, and outcomes of obstetric fistula cases managed at Evangel Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, a designated fistula repair centre. A retrospective descriptive design is applied to surgical and nursing records of all fistula repair procedures performed between 2018 and 2023. Variables include patient age, parity, years living with fistula before repair, fistula type and classification using the Waaldijk classification, surgical technique employed, closure rate, continence restoration at three-month follow-up, and readmission for recurrence. SPSS is used for analysis. Available fistula surgery literature from North Central Nigeria identifies vesicovaginal fistula as the most common type, with surgically challenging complex fistulas accounting for approximately 30 percent of cases. The Waaldijk Classification System for Genital Tract Fistula and the International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons repair quality standards provide the clinical assessment framework. Findings will contribute to the hospital's quality improvement programme and support advocacy for expanded community outreach and fistula prevention through skilled birth attendance. Keywords: obstetric fistula, vesicovaginal fistula, Waaldijk classification, Jos, Plateau State.