Is there still a need for better training regarding Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries following childbirth?
Lack of awareness
A new blog on the Royal College of Midwives’ website includes the comment by the Director of Midwifery, Louise Silverton, that the rise in obstetric anal sphincter injuries in childbirth may, in part, be due to “a lack of awareness of the long-term impact of OASI”.
Does this imply that the assessment of perineal injury to the new mother following the birth of her baby may not receive the care and attention that it deserves due to a failure to understand that such injuries can lead to horrific, long-term and life-changing symptoms?
Symptoms of Anal Sphincter Injuries
Whilst the majority of women only receive fairly minor tears during vaginal childbirth, an unfortunate but significant minority suffer severe damage to the anal sphincter muscles which, if left untreated, can lead to the following symptoms:
- Incontinence of wind
- Incontinence of faeces
- Extreme urgency when needing the toilet
- Leakage of wind and faeces via the vagina
- Perineal infections
- Discomfort during sex
Women who develop such symptoms after the birth of their child frequently develop psychological trauma as well as coping with the impact of their physical symptoms. Leaving the house can become problematic and working can be restricted if not impossible.
Many women who suffer these symptoms after childbirth observe that they feel that they have failed in some way and that nobody understands the emotional impact of their symptoms. They frequently become isolated and personal relationships break down.
Examining for Anal Injury
The importance of a thorough examination of the new mother’s perineum and anus following the vaginal birth of a baby cannot be understated. If a severe injury is not diagnosed shortly after the birth, it will not be repaired. If an anal sphincter injury is misdiagnosed for a lesser tear, it will not receive a full repair.
Delayed surgery or secondary surgery following an inadequate initial repair is unlikely to be as successful as competent and accurate surgery soon after the birth.
If surgery is delayed, the tissue around the injury may start to break down and make a successful recovery unlikely. The woman may develop a fistula between the rectum and vagina, allowing wind and faeces to leak from the vagina rather than the anus.
She may even need a colostomy – temporary or permanent – if the bowel is unable to function effectively due to the delayed treatment of her injury.
Medical negligence
A failure to diagnose a perineal tear accurately after childbirth, thereby allowing the new mother to develop these shocking and debilitating symptoms may be regarded as negligent.
If you are suffering with the long-term impact of such symptoms due to a failing on the part of your medical professionals, contact us to discuss the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
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If you, or your family member, has suffered a birth injury tear, please call us now for free, no obligation advice on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.