Single prior caesarean section and risk of anal sphincter injury

Injury to the anal sphincter at vaginal delivery remains the leading cause of faecal incontinence in women. Previous studies reported an increased incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) in women attempting vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC). The aim of the paper was to establish whether women in their second pregnancy, with one previous uterine scar, are at a higher risk of OASI compared with nulliparous women.

All primiparous and secundiparous women with a previous caesarean section who delivered from 2008 to 2017 were analysed in a single-centre retrospective study. The primary endpoint was OASI. Labour characteristics in both groups were compared, and a multiple regression model was created.

There were 8573 vaginal deliveries of nulliparous women and 3453 deliveries of women in their second pregnancy with a previous caesarean section, of whom 550 had a successful VBAC. There was no significant difference in the rate of OASI between primiparous women and those who had a successful VBAC: 3.5% (297/8573) versus 3.1% (17/550), P = 0.730). Foetal macrosomia (>4 kg) and forceps delivery were risk factors for sphincter injury, while episiotomy and epidural anaesthesia were protective.

VBAC does not confer an increased risk of OASI after a first delivery by caesarean section when compared with nulliparous women. The rate of successful VBAC may be contributory and suggests that the risk conferred by VBAC may be unit-specific. Unit and national-level audit is necessary to investigate this risk further.