In a startling revelation, Prof. Aniefiok Umoiyoho, a renowned Urogynaecology and Perineal Reconstruction expert at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sounded the alarm on the escalating cases of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in the country. During his 92nd Inaugural Lecture titled, ‘She shall be saved in childbearing,’ Prof. Umoiyoho expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate healthcare facilities and specialists to tackle this distressing condition affecting countless women.
Akwa Ibom State, he disclosed, currently has only two VVF surgeons, while many hospitals in the region are ill-equipped to handle such cases. The dire situation has prompted him to call on the government to urgently provide incentives for young medical doctors willing to undergo specialized training in VVF treatment.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of health education for people residing in rural areas, advocating for increased awareness of the causes, prevention, and treatment of VVF. Prof. Umoiyoho stressed that improving the social and nutritional status of women, discouraging early marriage, and enhancing accessibility to healthcare services are crucial steps in curbing the rising instances of VVF.
Vesicovaginal Fistula is a devastating condition for women, causing immense social, emotional, and psychological distress. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, clinical tests, and investigations, with surgical intervention being the primary treatment option. Prof. Umoiyoho highlighted the significance of early and successful surgical repair and explored the potential benefits of inter-positioning grafts, particularly in recurrent and large fistulas. He also spoke about the promising prospects of laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques in VVF repair, albeit acknowledging the challenges of cost and specialized training required.
As the VVF crisis worsens, the urgent need for well-trained surgeons becomes ever more apparent. Prof. Umoiyoho passionately urged the medical community and policymakers to take decisive action to address this pressing issue and alleviate the suffering of countless women affected by Vesicovaginal Fistula.
Source here: https://punchng.com/varsity-laments-shortage-of-vvf-surgeons/
