The Fistula Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

An Ongoing Struggle in Education and Awareness

Narcisi, Linda
Tieniber, Andrew
Andriani, Leslie
McKinney, Timothy

Linda Narcisi, RN, NP.C, is a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner, Athena Women's Medical Center, Turnersville, NJ.
Andrew Tieniber is a Pre-Medical Undergraduate Student, Boston College, Boston, MA.
Leslie Andriani is a Pre-Medical Undergraduate Student, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Timothy McKinney, MD, PhD, is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and a Urologist, specializing in urogynecology and advanced gynecology, Athena Women's Medical Center, Turnersville, NJ.

Note: This is not a shadow, but a common case of urinary incontinence due to a vesicle vaginal fistula.

Photo by Timothy McKinney, MD, PhD. Used with permission.

Urologic Nursing 30(6):p 341-346, November-December 2010.

This article examines the social and physical causes of obstetric fistulas, as well as resulting social and psychological consequences. Preventative strategies are addressed using Niger as a microcosm for this devastating condition that affects two million women worldwide.