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PubMed · 15008905

Anal function following third degree tears.

N Mackenzie·L Parry·M Tasker·M R Gowland·H R Michie·J H Hobbiss
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the anal function of women who have suffered a third degree perineal tear during parturition. PATIENTS: Fifty-three consecutive women who sustained a third degree tear, between January 1998 and March 2000, at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital were assessed. METHODS: Women were assessed at 3 months post partum using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score, digital assessment of anal sphincter and endo-anal ultrasound scan. RESULTS: At 3 months post partum 75% of the participants had no symptoms of anal incontinence, 18% had mild symptoms and 7% had more severe symptoms. Anal endosonography demonstrated normal anal sphincters in 66% of participants, an abnormality in the external sphincter in 29% and a defect in both sphincters in 2%. There was poor correlation between symptoms and scan defects. CONCLUSION: The incidence of anal incontinence following repair of a third degree tear was not high and it is unlikely that we are missing a hidden pool of symptomatic women. No major change in management policy is required. The routine assessment of anal function in women who had sustained a third degree tear was appreciated by the women and enabled us to identify the small portion of women with significant symptoms.

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Anal CanalAnus DiseasesDelivery, ObstetricDigestive System Surgical ProceduresEndosonographyFemaleHumansRecovery of FunctionTreatment OutcomeJournal Article

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N Mackenzie, L Parry, M Tasker, M R Gowland, H R Michie, J H Hobbiss. 2004. Anal function following third degree tears.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-1318.2004.00568.x

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PubMed2007

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