Have you been left incontinent after a 3b tear was left undiagnosed and untreated? If so please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We will be able to advise you on your legal rights, suggesting whether you could be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation.
What is a 3b tear?
A 3b tear is a type of 3rd degree tear. A 3rd degree tear is a serious perineal injury that can be experienced by women giving birth by way of vaginal delivery. 3rd degree tears are described as 3a, 3b, or 3c tears. This allows medical practitioners to define the exact nature of the tear, particularly with regards to how much of the anal sphincter complex is involved.
A 3b tear means that vaginal epithelium, perineal skin, perineal body and external anal sphincter have been torn. The tear of the external sphincter involves more than 50% thickness. This is opposed to 3a tears, which involve less than 50% thickness, and 3c tears which involve both the external and internal anal sphincter.
Why am I incontinent after a 3b tear?
Because a 3b tear involves the external anal sphincter, it can adversely affect the function of the sphincter muscles. The defect in the sphincter muscle can make it difficult for the patient to hold the passing of faeces until a toilet has been found. This faecal urgency can in turn lead to episodes of faecal leakage and incontinence.
This can happen to anyone who has had a 3b tear, including those who had a repair. Sadly some women will experience complications because of the sphincter injury while some will not.
However, women are much more likely to become incontinent after a 3b tear if the injury was not repaired shortly after the birth. This is because a defect will remain in the anal sphincter, causing a significant level of dysfunction. Even if a repair is conducted at a later date, complications may continue as secondary repairs are not as effective as primary repairs.
What can I do if I have been left incontinent?
If you have been left incontinent because a 3b tear was not managed properly by medical practitioners, you should talk to a lawyer. You could be entitled to claim compensation for the injuries you have incurred. If you are able to make a claim, you will also have the chance to be examined by a medical expert who will recommend what treatment is required.
To talk to a solicitor about a missed 3rd degree tear, please get in touch with us today.