Rajshahi: Experts at a workshop today stressed that safe surgery can be the crucial means of preventing the cases of iatrogenic fistula. They defined iatrogenic fistula as an abnormal, tube-like connection between two body organs or vessels that is unintentionally caused by a medical procedure, such as surgery or catheterization. It is a complication arising from a medical intervention rather than a natural disease or injury.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the experts shared their insights at a daylong workshop titled “Safe Surgery,” held at the conference hall of the divisional director of health’s office. The office, with support from the Community Health and Development Program (CHDP), LAMB Hospital, and Women’s Hope International, Switzerland, organized the workshop. Divisional Director of Health Dr. Habibur Rahman presided over the meeting, while CHDP Director Utpal Minj welcomed the participants. LAMB Executive Director David Chandran addressed the meeting as a special guest.
Fistula Surgeon and Consultant Dr. Beatrice Ambauen from Switzerland elaborated on the causes, consequences, and preventive and curative measures of the disease through a multimedia presentation. Sharing her expertise, Prof Shahela Jeshmin of Barind Medical College highlighted that the rising trend of iatrogenic fistula is becoming a growing public health concern. Despite the decline in obstetric fistula cases due to increasing institutional deliveries, she noted that iatrogenic cases have surged significantly due to caesarean sections performed by unskilled and untrained doctors.
In this context, Prof Jeshmin emphasized the need for enhancing the surgical skills of obstetric surgeons to ensure safe caesarean surgeries and prevent new iatrogenic fistula cases. Many senior Obstetrics and Gynecology consultants raised concerns over the absence of fistula surgeons at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. They urged LAMB to arrange fistula surgery training for gynecology surgeons, enabling them to develop the necessary skills and continue providing fistula surgery services at the tertiary hospital.
Dr. Habibur Rahman, in his remarks, stated that screening and diagnosis could play a crucial role in the early recovery and proper rehabilitation of patients suffering from iatrogenic fistula. He highlighted the importance of identifying patients, noting that many government and non-government organizations are actively working in this field. Dr. Rahman stressed the need to prioritize disseminating information about free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to patients, particularly those in remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring they can access existing services.
The workshop underscored that iatrogenic fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A lack of specialized urogynecological training among general surgeons often leads to poor surgical precision and accidental tissue damage.