Pregnant women who go through prolonged labor without assistance are in danger of developing an obstetrical fistula, in which a hole forms between the bladder and vagina or the rectum and vagina. This condition carries a cultural stigma, and it can be corrected through reconstructive surgery.
Urologist Igor Vaz, the founder of Focus Fistula Mozambique, traveled from Africa to speak at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse about his efforts to prevent and treat fistulas. In this interview, he describes the medical issues and social stigmas involved. Accompanying him in the interview is urologist Dmitriy Nikolavsky the director of reconstructive urology at Upstate.
Also on this week’s “HealthLink on Air”:
- Family physician James Greenwald addresses the increase in sexually transmitted illnesses.
- Surgeon Jessica Summers talks about preventing and treating burns.
Tune in Sunday, May 19 at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.