Complete destruction of urethra and bladder neck following symphysiotomy and results of attempted corrective surgery.

Four (0.8%) out of 526 obstetric fistulas were related to a preceding symphysiotomy procedure. Complete destruction of the urethra and bladder neck with retropubic fibrosis was found. Faulty technique is the most probable cause. All women had stillborn babies before the symphysiotomy delivery, and tissue damage due to obstructed labor could have been a predisposing factor. A neo-urethra was successfully constructed in three of the four women, but continence in standing position was not obtained.