There is little information regarding the mental health status of women with genital tract fistulae in developing countries. The aim of this prospective observational study was to screen women at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh (December 2003 to June 2004), and Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia (June to July 2004), with genital tract fistula for mental health dysfunction. Women presenting to the above institutions were screened using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) prior to fistula surgery. As the women were illiterate, the questionnaire was completed with the assistance of a medical officer, nurse or interpreter. The female staff members acted as controls. Sixty‐eight women with fistulae and 28 controls completed the GHQ‐28. Sixty‐six of the 68 women with fistulae screened positive to probable mental health dysfunction compared with 9 of the 28 controls. We conclude that women with genital tract fistula are at high risk of mental health dysfunction. If the high rates of positive screening are confirmed on psychiatric evaluation, then the management of women with genital tract fistulas must include routine psychological/psychiatric assessment and treatment.

This study aims to describe and review a new method of uterine conservation in pelvic reconstruction for women with uterine prolapse. This is a prospective study of women who have undergone laparoscopic sacral suture hysteropexy. Structured questions, visual analogue patient satisfaction score (VAS), and vaginal examination were undertaken. Follow-up was performed by non-surgical reviewers. From July 2001 until August 2003, a total of 81 women underwent laparoscopic sacral suture hysteropexy for uterine prolapse. At a mean of 20.3 months follow-up, 76 women (93.8%) were available for questioning and 57 (70.3%) attended for examination. Sixty-five women (87.8%) had no symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse, 54 women (94.7%) had no objective evidence of uterine prolapse, and 61 women (82.4%) were satisfied with their surgery (VAS > or = 80%). Laparoscopic sacral suture hysteropexy attaches the posterior cervix to the sacral promontory via the right uterosacral ligament. Follow-up data of laparoscopic sacral suture hysteropexy indicate it to be an effective method in the management of uterine prolapse.

Most women suffering from third or fourth degree obstetric tear were continent or mildly incontinent. Poor Wexner's score at short-term assessment at 3 months postpartum was predictive of faecal incontinence in the medium-term.

Abdominal sacral colpopexy is an effective technique for the management of vaginal vault prolapse, with a two-year successful outcome in excess of 90%. Further study is required to investigate recurrent prolapse in other vaginal compartments and the functional aspects following surgery.

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