A 4th degree tear must be diagnosed and repaired immediately after the birth. A failure to do so will amount to a substandard level of care.
Repairing perineal injuries
If a perineal injury is sustained by a mother giving birth by way of vaginal delivery, it must be diagnosed and treated without delay.
There are different types of perineal injury which vary in severity. A 4th degree tear is the most severe type of tear and any reasonably competent medical practitioner should be able to spot such a tear.
A 4th degree tear is a deep laceration that involves the perineum, internal anal sphincter and external anal sphincter. It is a large injury, although it may not be visible to the naked eye as the superficial skin may still be intact. That is why a digital rectal examination must be performed before any repairs are undertaken, as this will ensure the extent of the injury is accurately assessed.
Because a 4th degree tear is a complex injury, a qualified surgeon must conduct the repair in theatre. It is not acceptable for a 4th degree tear to be sutured by a midwife or sutured in the delivery suite.
Immediate repair
A 4th degree tear should be treated within hours of the birth. This will give the patient the best chance of making a full recovery, as 4th degree tears can be associated with faecal urgency and incontinence of flatus (wind).
However, an immediate repair of a 4th degree tear should avoid faecal urgency, although there is doubt as to whether incontinence of flatus would be avoided.
If there is a delay in treatment, the prospects of a successful outcome are greatly reduced. Indeed, it is must easier to treat a sphincter defect shortly after the injury was sustained. The longer such a tear is left, the harder it will be to repair.
If a 4th degree tear is not repaired immediately after the birth, a woman may be left with continuing incontinence of flatus, faecal urgency and even faecal incontinence.
Claiming compensation
An immediate repair of a 4th degree tear gives a better outcome, particularly with regards to faecal urgency and incontinence.
If you have continuing faecal urgency and incontinence, and this has been caused by a delayed repair of a 4th degree tear, you need to talk to a lawyer today. You could be entitled to claim compensation.
Contact us to speak to a solicitor about claiming compensation for your 4th degree tear.
Call us free now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry and we will be happy to advise you of your legal rights and options (no charge).