Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - Experts at a workshop today stressed that safe surgery can be the crucial means of preventing the cases of iatrogenic fistula.

They defined iatrogenic fistula as an abnormal, tube-like connection between two body organs or vessels that is unintentionally caused by a medical procedure, such as surgery or catheterization. It is a complication arising from a medical intervention rather than a natural disease or injury.
 
The experts came up with the views at a daylong workshop titled "Safe Surgery" held at the conference hall of the divisional director of health's office.

The office with support from the Community Health and Development Program (CHDP), LAMB Hospital and Women's Hope International, Switzerland arranged the workshop.

Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibur Rahman presided over the meeting, while CHDP Director Utpal Minj welcomed the participants. LAMB Executive Director David Chandran addressed the meeting as a special guest.

Fistula Surgeon and Consultant Dr. Beatrice Ambauen from Switzerland talked about the causes of the disease along with its consequences and preventive and curative measures in detail through her multimedia presentation.

Sharing her expertise, Prof Shahela Jeshmin of Barind Medical College said the rising trend of iatrogenic fistula-a hole that develops between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum due to surgical trauma-is becoming a growing public health concern.
 
She said the number of obstetric fistula cases is now declining due to the increasing number of institutional deliveries.
 
However, she regretted that iatrogenic cases have increased significantly due to caesarean sections performed by unskilled and untrained doctors.
 
In this context, she stressed the need for enhancing the surgical skills of obstetric surgeons to ensure safe caesarean surgeries and prevent the increasing number of new iatrogenic fistula cases.

Many of the senior Obstetrics and Gynecology consultants raised a concern that there are currently no fistula surgeons at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. 

They requested that LAMB arrange fistula surgery training for gynecology surgeons so they can develop the necessary skills and continue providing fistula surgery services at the tertiary hospital.

In his remarks, Dr Habibur Rahman said screening and diagnosis could play a crucial role in the early recovery and proper rehabilitation of patients suffering from iatrogenic fistula.
 
He also mentioned that identifying patients is very important, as many government and non-government organizations are working in this field.
 
He stressed that the highest priority should be given to disseminating information about free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to patients, particularly those living in remote and hard-to-reach areas, so they can access existing services.
 
The workshop was informed that iatrogenic fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A lack of specialized urogynecological training among general surgeons often leads to poor surgical precision and accidental tissue damage.