Fistulae of obstetric origin.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in the developing countries 5 million women each year suffer severe maternal morbidity and high on this list is obstetric fistulae (vesico-vaginal and/or recto-vaginal). This article tries to explain why these fistulae still occur, comments on measures of prevention and how treatment might best be provided for those women who suffer from this terrible affliction.