Women of the courtyard. A nurse's journey to treat obstetric fistulae in Niger.

Obstetric fistula is a devastating condition that results from prolonged or unassisted labor. It produces debilitating physical and emotional consequences caused by constant leaking of urine and/or feces. Because high-quality medical care is available throughout the developed world, unrepaired obstetric fistulae are virtually nonexistent in developed nations. However, the condition is rampant in many developing countries, including Niger, a nation in West Africa. This article explains what obstetric fistula is, why it is such a problem, and what nurses and other health care professionals can do to help improve the situation worldwide. It also tells the story of one nurse who went on a volunteer mission to treat obstetric fistulae in Niger, where she met a courtyard full of women she will never forget.