Analysis of obstetric fistula in 202 women from the Democratic Republic of Congo suggests that Goh's classification system is more effective at predicting closure of obstetric fistulae than Waaldijk's system. Fistulae were classified using both systems and women received preoperative, surgical and follow-up assessment. Multivariate analysis of successful closure showed that Goh predicted an increased likelihood of failed closure in type 4 fistulae, but no single component predicted failure in Waaldijk's system.