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[Anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery]
Annelill Valbø1, Marit Kristoffersen
1Kvinneklinikken, Asker og Baerum sykehus, 1309 Rud. annelill.valbo@sabhf.no
Summary
Childbirth anal sphincter ruptures occurred in 2.4% of deliveries. Six months postpartum, most women reported no fecal incontinence, with only 4% experiencing minor liquid stool leakage.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Surgical Outcomes
Context:
- Childbirth-related anal sphincter rupture is a significant cause of female fecal incontinence.
- Incidence and subjective sequelae vary widely in existing literature.
- Standardized follow-up is crucial for understanding long-term patient impact.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery.
- To assess subjective complaints and fecal incontinence at six months postpartum.
- To compare findings with previous epidemiological data.
Summary:
- A 2.5-year study identified 147 anal sphincter ruptures (2.4%) in 6124 vaginal deliveries.
- Of 137 women assessed at 6 months, 67% had no complaints; 4% reported minor liquid stool leakage.
- No cases of solid stool incontinence were reported at the 6-month follow-up.
Impact:
- Findings suggest a lower incidence of postpartum complaints than previously reported.
- Highlights the potential for improved delivery techniques to reduce sphincter injuries.
- Provides valuable data for patient counseling and management of anal sphincter ruptures.