The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology led by Dr. Musa Kayondo in collaboration with MEDLEND Medical Missions from BURLINGAME USA led by Dr. Michael Margolis held a fistula camp that started from 20th February to 24th February 2023. The team led by Dr. Tom Margolis holds medical camps in Asia and Africa and they have been partnering with MUST for 13 years. For this camp, 54 patients have been worked on.
Obstetric fistula is a medical condition that results from obstructed labor with no medical attention which leads women to have uterine rupture and post-partum bleeding among other effects. Obstetric fistula is mostly preventable when the right C-section is conducted.
To identify the patients, a call is sent to the communities. Each patient is then given transport, surgery and meals for two weeks. Fistula is common among teenage mothers because of their immature pelvises and also among mothers who use traditional birth attendants. Dr. Kayondo advised that to help curb this traumatizing medical condition that usually leads to discrimination and depression of the affected, women should go for antenatal care, have timely referrals and keep children in school to limit early pregnancies.
The Department also trains MUST postgraduate students of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Fistula and Urogyneacological surgery and offers a Fellowship in Fistula and Urogyneacology. They currently have 3 fellows under training and one that completed the program. Thanks to the team members who help restore women’s health and enable them get a chance to live normal fulfilling lives.
Succeed we MUST!
