If you have suffered complications after a third degree tear repair, have you been the victim of medical negligence? In this article we look at the negligent and non-negligent reasons complications might occur.
Recovering from a 3rd degree tear
A third degree tear is when the perineum and external anal sphincter tear during a vaginal birth. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggest a severe tear of this nature will affect around 9% of women in the UK.
The injury should be diagnosed after the delivery and a repair carried out in theatre by a qualified surgeon. In the weeks following the repair, the perineum will remain sore. A woman may also find it uncomfortable to pass a bowel motion, experience some sexual discomfort, and may even suffer from faecal leakage.
Complications of a 3rd degree tear
In the majority of cases, these problems will resolve and a full recovery will be made. However, some will develop additional complications that may require further treatment. This can include:-
- Break down of the stitches
- Painful scar tissue
- Infection
- Ongoing discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Weakened anal sphincter muscles
These complications usually arise for non-negligent reasons, meaning medical professionals cannot be blamed.
3rd degree tear repair and medical negligence
Nevertheless, there are times when a third degree tear repair will be deemed negligent. This usually occurs when the repair was of a poor standard, or the full extent of the injury was not diagnosed and repaired, causing part of the sphincter to remain defective. This can cause a number of complications, such as:-
- Faecal urgency
- Faecal leakage
- Faecal incontinence
- The inability to control wind (flatus)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression and other psychological conditions
Claiming for medical negligence
If you believe your third degree tear repair was negligently managed, you need to speak to a solicitor about the options available to you. If you are advised that you have been wrongfully harmed because of substandard medical care, you will be entitled to pursue a medical negligence compensation claim.
Making a third degree tear claim will enable you to obtain financial redress for the physical, emotional and financial damage you have been caused. This can help you achieve a sense of justice, and will recover any financial losses you (or your partner) have incurred.
Contact us today
To find out if you are able to pursue a claim for third degree tear repair complications, please get in touch with us today to discuss your case with a specialist solicitor.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
#