Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, May 29, 2025 (BSS) – Experts at a discussion have stressed on enhancing surgical skills of obstetric and urologist surgeons to ensure safe cesarean surgeries for preventing the increasing number of new iatrogenic fistula cases.
 
They expressed the views at the discussion organised by the Department of Urology of Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) at its conference room on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The event was arranged in observance of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula-2025 with the theme ‘Let’s ensure the health rights of women with fistulas, build a country free of obstetric fistula’ this year. 
 
Director General of Health Services, UNFPA Bangladesh and LAMB Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) Project extended technical support in arranging the event.
 
RpMC Principal Professor Dr Md Shariful Islam attended the discussion as the chief guest with Head of the Department of Urology of Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RpMCH) Professor Md Shahidul Islam Sugom in the chair.
 
Associate Professor and Head of Department of Anesthesiology of RpMCH Dr Md Taifur Rahman and Associate Professor of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Dr Ifat Ara spoke as special guests.
 
Moderated by Registrar of the Department of Urology of RpMCH Dr Md Abdul Awal, its Assistant Registrar Dr Md Shahinur Milton delivered a scientific presentation in the discussion.
 
Assistant Professor of the Department of Urology Dr Muhammad Zahurul Haque also spoke on the occasion.
 
Ninety participants, including consultants, assistant professors, medical officers, indoor medical officers, assistant registers, intern doctors, senior staff nurses of the departments of urology, gynecology and obstetrics and anesthesiology took part in the event.
  
The experts said genital fistula is an abnormal opening in the female genital tract that causes uncontrollable, constant leakage of urine or feces while obstetric fistula is usually caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. 
 
Conversely, iatrogenic fistula is caused unintentionally by surgical inaccuracy during cesarean, urological and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth and in cases of injuries caused through sexual violence, female genital mutilation or accidents.
       
The chief guest stressed on producing more skilled surgeons by imparting training for conducting cesarean and urological surgeries skillfully to reduce the number of iatrogenic fistulas in the country.
 
“Skilled urologists, obstetric and other surgeons can reduce the new cases of iatrogenic fistula patients by conducting cesarean and other surgeries more expertly to complement each other and work towards building a fistula-free Bangladesh by 2030 next,” he said.