Epidemiological profile, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of genital fistula repair in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: FisPro DRC Experience.

The objective of this study was to present the epidemiological profile, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of women operated on for genital fistulas at the Medical Center Bolamu in Kinshasa by the Fistula Program DRC (FisPro DRC) from 2021 to 2025. It was a retrospective, descriptive analysis that included 336 women who underwent genital fistula repair between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2025. Data were collected from patients´ medical records. The variables included demographics, fistula etiology, anatomoclinical diagnosis, and post-operative status assessed at the 14-day postoperative period before discharge. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). In our study population of 336 patients, the mean age was 42 years, and the average duration of the fistula was 9 years. A vast majority of patients (92.6%, n=311) had no prior surgical repair attempt. The primary etiology was obstetrical (67.0%, n=225), followed by iatrogenic causes (32.7%, n=110). Anatomically, the most prevalent types were vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) (40.8%, n=137) and perineal tears (40.5%, n=136). Following repair, a successful surgical outcome (closed and continent) was observed in 92.9% of cases (n=) at the 14-day postoperative assessment. Genital fistula is a real health challenge in Kinshasa, characterized by late presentation and severe lack of treatment access. The fistulas are caused particularly by obstetric and iatrogenic trauma. FisPro's surgical and functional success shows why we need dedicated fistula repair programs and stronger awareness and prevention.