Research suggests that episiotomies increase the risk of a third degree tear. If the injury is not properly repaired, it can lead to further complications.
Episiotomies and third degree tears
An episiotomy is when the perineum is deliberately cut during a vaginal birth. This speeds up the delivery and creates more room for the baby to pass through. An episiotomy is not performed routinely; it is only considered necessary when the delivery needs to be expedited – usually because the mother and/or the baby are showing signs of distress.
When medical professionals perform an episiotomy, they should make a diagonal cut (a medio-later episiotomy) rather than a straight cut (a midline episiotomy). This decreases the chance of a third or fourth degree tear occurring. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the perineum will tear as the baby is delivered.
Complications from an episiotomy
If an episiotomy has been performed, the perineum will already have been cut. Therefore any further tearing will readily extend to the anal sphincter. This is a severe obstetric injury that must be diagnosed and repaired shortly after the birth.
As long as the episiotomy cut and any additional perineal tears are repaired, a patient stands a good chance of making a full recovery. There may be some temporary complications, including:-
- Pain, especially during sex;
- Difficulty going to the toilet;
- Infection;
- Pelvic floor weakness;
- Itchy scar tissue.
With the appropriate treatment, these complications should gradually subside.
However, long-term problems may ensue if an episiotomy leads to a third degree tear but it is not diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately this does happen, as some women who have had an episiotomy do not have the appropriate examination post-delivery. Other times an examination is carried out, but the healthcare professional simply fails to spot the injury. When a third degree tear is missed, it will lead to complications such as:-
- The inability to control wind;
- Faecal incontinence;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- Emotional trauma.
Claiming for episiotomy complications
If you have developed complications as a result of an episiotomy and/or a missed third degree tear, get in touch with us to discuss your options. It is possible that you have been the victim of medical negligence, for which you deserve to be compensated. Although this will not undo the damage you have been caused, it will allow you to obtain financial redress for the pain, suffering and financial loss you have incurred.
To find out more about claiming for a third degree tear, get in touch with us today.
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