The effects of mediolateral episiotomy on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of mediolateral episiotomy on puerperal pelvic floor strength and dysfunction (urinary and anal incontinence, genital prolapse). METHODS: Five hundred nineteen primiparous women were enrolled 3 months after vaginal delivery. Puerperae were divided in 2 groups: group A (254 women) comprised the women who received mediolateral episiotomy and group B (265 women) the women with intact perineum and first- and second-degree spontaneous perineal lacerations. Each woman was questioned about urogynecological symptoms and examined by digital test, vaginal perineometry, and uroflowmetric stop test score. Data were subjected to Student t test and Fisher exact test to assess, respectively, the difference between the mean values and the proportions within the subpopulations. Using a simple logistic regression model to test an estimate of relative risk, we expressed the odds ratios of the variables considered with respect to the control population (group B). RESULTS: No significant difference was found with regard to the incidence of urinary and anal incontinence and genital prolapse, whereas dyspareunia and perineal pain were significantly higher in the episiotomy group (7.9% versus 3.4%, P =.026; 6.7% versus 2.3%, P =.014, respectively). Episiotomy was associated with significantly lower values, both in digital test (2.2 versus 2.6; P <.001) and in vaginal manometry (12.2 versus 13.8 cm water; P <.001), but not in uroflowmetric stop test. CONCLUSION: Mediolateral episiotomy does not protect against urinary and anal incontinence and genital prolapse and is associated with a lower pelvic floor muscle strength compared with spontaneous perineal lacerations and with more dyspareunia and perineal pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2     

Urinary and anal incontinence after vacuum delivery

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate urinary and fecal incontinence symptoms, and occult anal sphincter defects in women after vacuum and spontaneous vaginal delivery. STUDY DESIGN: In a case-control study, 50 primiparous women delivered by vacuum extraction were compared to 50 women delivered spontaneously. Urinary and anal incontinence symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength and sphincter defects on endoanal ultrasound were evaluated 6-24 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: New anal incontinence symptoms after childbirth were found in 30% of the vacuum group compared to 34% of the controls, new urinary incontinence symptoms in 28 and 42%, respectively (not significant). After excluding Grade III perineal tear, sonographic sphincter defects were found in 11 (27.5%) after vacuum delivery compared to 4 (10%) after spontaneous delivery (P<0.05, chi(2)-test). CONCLUSION: Anal and urinary incontinence symptoms are frequent after vaginal delivery. Vacuum delivery causes more sonographic sphincter defects but appears to cause no more harm to pelvic floor function than spontaneous vaginal delivery.     

Association between pelvic floor dysfunction,and clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation in primiparous women: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

Disorders related to pelvic floor include urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain. Because pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) can be diagnosed clinically, imaging techniques serve as auxiliary tools for establishing an accurate diagnosis. The objective is to evaluate the PFD in primiparous women after vaginal delivery and the association between clinical examination and three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a in tertiary maternity. All primiparous women with vaginal deliveries that occurred between January 2013 and December 2015 were invited. Women who attended the invitation underwent detailed anamnesis, questionnaire application, physical examination and endovaginal and endoanal 3DUS. Crude and adjusted predictor factors for PFD were analyzed.

Results

Fifty women were evaluated. Sexual dysfunction was the most prevalent PFD (64.6%). When associated with clinical features and PFD, oxytocin use increased by approximately four times the odds of UI (crude OR 4.182, 95% CI 1.149–15.219). During the multivariate analysis, the odds of UI were increased in forceps use by approximately 11 times (adjusted OR 11.552, 95% CI 11.155–115.577). When the clinical and obstetrical predictors for PFD were associated with 3DUS, forceps increased the odds of lesion of the pubovisceral muscle and anal sphincter diagnosed by 3DUS by sixfold (crude OR 6.000, 95% CI 1.172–30.725), and in multivariate analysis forceps again increased the odds of injury by approximately 7 times (adjusted OR 7.778, 95% CI 1.380–43.846).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction was the most frequent PFD. The use of forceps in primiparous women was associated with a greater chance of UI and pelvic floor muscle damage diagnosed by 3DUS.

     

Risk of new-onset urinary incontinence after forceps and vacuum delivery in primiparous women

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the incidence of new-onset urinary incontinence after forceps and vacuum delivery compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective study in primiparous women delivered by forceps (n = 90), vacuum (n = 75), or spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 150). Follow-up for urinary incontinence was at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after delivery. RESULTS: The incidence of urinary incontinence was similar in the 3 groups at 2 weeks after delivery. The proportion of women developing new-onset urinary incontinence decreased significantly over time in the spontaneous vaginal (P =.003) and vacuum delivery groups (P =.009) but not in the forceps group (P =.2). No relationship of urinary incontinence with vaginal lacerations, epidural anesthesia, length of second stage of labor, or infant birth weight was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In primiparous women, urinary incontinence after forceps delivery is more likely to persist compared with spontaneous vaginal or vacuum delivery.     

Fecal and urinary incontinence after vaginal delivery with anal sphincter disruption in an obstetrics unit in the United States

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of urinary and bowel incontinence in relation to anal sphincter laceration in primiparous women and to identify factors that are associated with anal sphincter laceration in a unit that uses primarily midline episiotomy. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1, 1997, to March 30, 2000, 2941 questionnaires concerning pelvic floor function 6 months after delivery were mailed to primiparous women who were delivered vaginally at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Charts were reviewed for 2858 deliveries to assess the use of episiotomy and the degree of perineal trauma, along with demographic and pertinent delivery variables. There were 943 women who completed the urinary function questionnaire and 831 women who completed the bowel function questionnaire. Univariate analysis was performed on all covariates. Multiple logistic regression was used for the analysis of the presence of third- or fourth-degree lacerations as the outcome. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of the women who completed the survey had sustained third- or fourth-degree lacerations during childbirth. The women in the sphincter laceration group were more likely (23.0%) to have bowel incontinence than the women in the control group (13.4%) (P<.05). The incidence of worse bowel control was nearly 10 times higher in women with fourth-degree lacerations (30.8%) compared with women with third-degree lacerations (3.6%, P<.001). Macrosomia (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.61, 2.99), forceps-assisted delivery (odds ratio, 4.75; 95% CI, 3.43, 6.57), and vacuum-assisted delivery (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.64, 4.66) were associated with higher risks of third- and fourth-degree lacerations. Midline episiotomy (odds ratio, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.81, 2.77), but not mediolateral (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.375, 1.19), episiotomy was associated with anal sphincter lacerations. More than one half of the women had new onset of urinary incontinence after delivery and reported several lifestyle modifications to prevent leakage. CONCLUSION: Women with third- and fourth-degree lacerations were more likely to have bowel incontinence than women without anal sphincter lacerations. Fourth-degree lacerations appear to affect anal continence greater than third-degree lacerations.     

Female genital tract morbidity and sexual function following vaginal delivery or lower segment caesarean section.

A total of 208 women were assessed 2 years' post-delivery to record the prevalence of subjective urinary and faecal incontinence, incontinence of flatus, dyspareunia, subjective depression and sexual satisfaction. This was correlated with mode of delivery. A sample population was selected from the Cardiff Birth Survey Database, in accordance with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each woman was invited to complete and return a postal questionnaire addressing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. There was a significant decrease in sexual satisfaction scores in women who underwent vaginal delivery in comparison with those who underwent elective caesarean section at 2 years follow-up. There was also a significant increase in the prevalence of urinary incontinence, incontinence of flatus, dyspareunia and subjective depression in women who underwent vaginal delivery.     

Incidence and cause of postpartum urinary stress incontinence.

Urinary leakage was reported in 53.5% of our patients at least once during pregnancy. Multigravidae and women older than 30 were affected more often than primigravidae or women younger than 30. 6.2% of all women, who were continent before pregnancy, developed permanent stress incontinence after vaginal delivery. As a conclusion, it can be said, that vaginal delivery itself predisposes for permanent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Factors, which increase the trauma to the pelvic floor (tear, no episiotomy, forceps or vacuum extraction), show a higher incidence of postpartum persisting SUI without statistic significance. Labour management with epidural anaesthesia showed a statistically proven lower incidence of postpartum persisting SUI in comparison to the pudendal block.     

Episiotomy and perineal tears presumed to be imminent: the influence on the urethral pressure profile, analmanometric and other pelvic floor findings--follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The influence of the restrictive use of episiotomy at perineal tears judged to be imminent on the urethral pressure profile, analmanometric, and other pelvic floor findings is unknown. METHODS: Follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial with two perineal management policies includes the use of episiotomy: (a) only for fetal indications and (b) in addition at a tear presumed to be imminent. Participants were 146 primiparous women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy >34 weeks of gestation. For the intention-to-treat analysis, 68 women after vaginal delivery were included who delivered a live full-term baby between January 1999 and September 2000. OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP, cmH2O), functional urethral length (mm), maximum anal pressure (MAP, mmHg), functional anal sphincter length (ASL, mmHg) at rest and during contraction, and pelvic floor muscle strength (5-grade Oxford score) are the outcome measures. The rate of dyspareunia, urinary incontinence, and anorectal incontinence was documented. RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 7.3 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (a versus b): mean MUCP at rest (98 versus 101 cmH2O), during contraction (95 versus 103 cmH2O), mean MAP at rest (113 versus 121 mmHg), during contraction (143 versus 166 mmHg), mean ASL at rest (50 versus 50 mmHg), during contraction (42 versus 45 mmHg), mean pelvic floor muscle strength (2.2 versus 2.6), no pain during sexual intercourse (79 versus 67%), prevalence of urinary incontinence (48 versus 27%), and anorectal incontinence (19 versus 24%). CONCLUSIONS: Episiotomy at a perineal tear presumed to be imminent does not have any advantage with regard to pelvic floor function and should be avoided.     

Périnée et grossesse

Congenital factor, obesity, aging, pregnancy and childbirth are the main risk factors for female pelvic floor disorders (urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia). Vaginal delivery may cause injury to the pudendal nerve, the anal sphincter, or the anal sphincter. However the link between these injuries and pelvic floor symptoms is not always determined and we still ignore what might be the ways of prevention. Of the many obstetrical methods proposed to prevent postpartum symptoms, episiotomy, delivery in vertical position, delayed pushing, perineal massage, warm pack, pelvic floor rehabilitation, results are disappointing or limited. Caesarean section is followed by less postnatal urinary incontinence than vaginal childbirth. However this difference tends to disappear with time and following childbirth. Limit the number of instrumental extractions and prefer the vacuum to forceps could reduce pelvic floor disorders after childbirth. Ultrasound examination of the anal sphincter after a second-degree perineal tear is useful to detect and repair infra-clinic anal sphincter lesions. Scientific data is insufficient to justify an elective cesarean section in order to avoid pelvic floor symptoms in a woman without previous disorders.     

Urinary incontinence: prevalence and risk factors at 16 weeks of gestation

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence at 16 weeks of gestation and to identify possible maternal and obstetric risk factors.
Design Cross-sectional study and cohort study.
Setting Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Population Cross-sectional study: 7795 women attending antenatal care. Cohort study: a sub-group of 1781 pregnant women with one previous delivery at our department.
Results Prevalence and maternal risk factors: the prevalence of urinary incontinence within the preceding year was 8.9% among women at 16 weeks of gestation (nulliparae, 3.9%. para 1, 13.8%, para 2+, 16.2%). Stress or mixed incontinence occurred at least weekly in 3% of all the women. After adjusting for age, parity, body mass index, smoking, previous abortions, and previous lower abdominal or urological surgery in a logistic regression model, primiparous women who had delivered vaginally had higher risk of stress or mixed urinary incontinence than nulliparous women (OR 5.7; 95% CI 3.9–8.3). Subsequent vaginal deliveries did not increase the risk significantly. Young age, body mass index > 30, and smoking were possible risk factors for developing urinary incontinence. Obstetric factors: weight of the newborn > 4000 g (OR 1.9; 95% CI 14–3.6) increased the risk of urinary incontinence; mediolateral episiotomy in combination with birthweight > 4000 g also increased the risk (OR 3–5; 95% CI 1.2–10.2); a number of other intrapartum factors did not increase the risk of urinary incontinence.
Conclusions The first vaginal delivery was a major risk factor for developing urinary incontinence; subsequent vaginal deliveries did not increase the risk significantly. Birthweight > 4000 g increased the risk; episiotomy in combination with birthweight > 4000 g also increased the risk.     

Urinary incontinence in the 12-month postpartum period

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence in the 12-month postpartum period and to relate this incontinence to several potential risk factors including body mass index, smoking, oral contraceptives, breast-feeding, and pelvic floor muscle exercise. METHODS: Participants were 523 women, aged 14 to 42 years, who had obstetrical deliveries. The women were interviewed in their rooms on postpartum day 2 or 3 and by telephone 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Chart abstraction was conducted to obtain obstetrical data from the index delivery. RESULTS: At 6 weeks postpartum, 11.36% of women reported some degree of urinary incontinence since the index delivery. Although the rate of incontinence did not change significantly over the postpartum year, frequency of accidents decreased over time. In the generalized estimating equation, postpartum incontinence was significantly associated with seven variables: baseline report of smoking (odds ratio [OR] 2.934; P =.002), incontinence during pregnancy (OR 2.002; P =.007), length of breast-feeding (OR 1.169; P =.023), vaginal delivery (OR 2.360; P =.002), use of forceps (OR 1.870; P =.024), and two time-varying covariates: frequency of urination (OR 1.123; P = <.001) and body mass index (OR 1.055; P =.005). Factors not associated with postpartum incontinence included age, race, education, episiotomy, number of vaginal deliveries, attendance at childbirth preparation classes, and performing pelvic floor muscle exercises during the postpartum period. CONCLUSION: Postpartum incontinence is associated with several risk factors, some of which are potentially modifiable and others that can help target at-risk women for early intervention.     

Urinary incontinence: prevalence and risk factors at 16 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence at 16 weeks of gestation and to identify possible maternal and obstetric risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study and cohort study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. POPULATION: Cross-sectional study: 7795 women attending antenatal care. Cohort study: a sub-group of 1781 pregnant women with one previous delivery at our department. RESULTS: Prevalence and maternal risk factors: the prevalence of urinary incontinence within the preceding year was 8.9% among women at 16 weeks of gestation (nulliparae, 3.9%, para 1, 13.8%, para 2+, 16.2%). Stress or mixed incontinence occurred at least weekly in 3% of all the women. After adjusting for age, parity, body mass index, smoking, previous abortions, and previous lower abdominal or urological surgery in a logistic regression model, primiparous women who had delivered vaginally had higher risk of stress or mixed urinary incontinence than nulliparous women (OR 5.7; 95% CI 3.9-8.3). Subsequent vaginal deliveries did not increase the risk significantly. Young age, body mass index > 30, and smoking were possible risk factors for developing urinary incontinence. Obstetric factors: weight of the newborn > 4000 g (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.6) increased the risk of urinary incontinence; mediolateral episiotomy in combination with birthweight > 4000 g also increased the risk (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.2-10.2); a number of other intrapartum factors did not increase the risk of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The first vaginal delivery was a major risk factor for developing urinary incontinence; subsequent vaginal deliveries did not increase the risk significantly. Birthweight > 4000 g increased the risk; episiotomy in combination with birthweight > 4000 g also increased the risk.     

Fecal and urinary incontinence in primiparous women

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the relationship between anal sphincter tears and postpartum fecal and urinary incontinence. METHODS: The Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms study was a prospective cohort study performed by the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network to estimate the prevalence of postpartum fecal and urinary incontinence in primiparous women: 407 with clinically recognized anal sphincter tears during vaginal delivery, 390 without recognized sphincter tears (vaginal controls), and 124 delivered by cesarean before labor. Women were recruited postpartum while hospitalized and interviewed by telephone 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. We assessed fecal and urinary incontinence symptoms using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging Questionnaire, respectively. Odds ratios were adjusted for age, race, and clinical site. RESULTS: Compared with the vaginal control group, women in the sphincter tear cohort reported more fecal incontinence (6 weeks, 26.6% versus 11.2%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-4.3; 6 months, 17.0% versus 8.2%; AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.2), more fecal urgency and flatal incontinence, and greater fecal incontinence severity at both times. Urinary incontinence prevalence did not differ between the sphincter tear and vaginal control groups. Six months postpartum, 22.9% of women delivered by cesarean reported urinary incontinence, whereas 7.6% reported fecal incontinence. CONCLUSION: Women with clinically recognized anal sphincter tears are more than twice as likely to report postpartum fecal incontinence than women without sphincter tears. Cesarean delivery before labor is not entirely protective against pelvic floor disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3.     

Effects of epidural analgesia during labor on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND: Aims of this study were to determine the rate of symptoms related to perineal trauma (anal and stress urinary incontinence) and to assess pelvic floor muscle function in women who underwent epidural analgesia. METHODS: Comparative design comprising 70 matched pairs of primiparous mothers. Each woman was questioned about urogynecologic symptoms and examined by digital test, vaginal perineometry and uroflowmetric stop test score 3 months after vaginal delivery. Urogenital prolapse was defined in accordance with the Baden and Walker's 'Halfway System Classification'. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to compare the two groups and simple logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of every variable considered in respect of the control population. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the incidence of stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and vaginal prolapse in the two study groups. No significant differences were found between the study groups with regard to the digital test, vaginal manometry and urine stream interruption test. CONCLUSIONS: Use of epidural analgesia is not associated with symptoms related to perineal trauma and pelvic floor muscle weakness.     

分娩方式对产妇盆底支持组织功能的近期影响

目的 探讨不同分娩方式及产科相关因素对盆底支持组织功能的近期影响.方法 选取健康初产妇120例,其中阴道分娩72例(阴道分娩组),选择性剖宫产48例(剖宫产组),于分娩后6至8周间进行尿失禁问卷调查、盆底肌电图测定盆底肌肉收缩及舒张功能,并行相关性分析.结果 阴道分娩组与剖宫产组产妇分娩后SUI的发生率分别为21%(15/72)、10%(5/48).阴道分娩组盆底肌电图右侧活力值、功值分别为12.9±0.8和59±5,左右两侧平均功值为78±5;剖宫产组右侧活力值、功值分别为17.3±1.7和95±17,左右两侧平均功值109±15,两组各项值比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).产妇的年龄(P＜0.01)、分娩前体重指数(P＜0.01)、新生儿出生体重(P＜0.01)及第二产程时间(P=0.003)是产后发生SUI的高危因素;年龄、分娩前后体重指数差、第一产程时间、会阴侧切口长度和角度对盆底肌电图的部分测量值有影响.结论 阴道分娩后SUI发生率与选择性剖宫产相似;产科相关因素可以影响产后尿失禁的发生率及盆底肌肉收缩及舒张功能.     

A longitudinal follow up of women in their practice of perinatal pelvic floor exercises and stress urinary incontinence in North-East Scotland

OBJECTIVES: to establish the reported practice of pelvic floor exercises and stress urinary incontinence after delivery. DESIGN: a longitudinal study using a postnatal postal questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: 257 women in the North-East of Scotland were sent questionnaires between June and December 2000, 6-12 months after delivery (previously recruited and interviewed during the last trimester of pregnancy). One hundred and sixty-three women responded (63.4%). FINDINGS: more women reported the practice of pelvic floor exercises after delivery than during pregnancy: 134 (83.2%) compared with 123 (76.4%). Six to 12 months after delivery, 96 (60%) women said that they were still doing the exercises. A third of respondents (n=54, 33.1%) reported stress incontinence at some time since having the baby. Of those reporting incontinence at the time of questionnaire completion, six (19.3%) said the incontinence was moderate or severe, whereas eight (34.7%) reported incontinence once a week or more. Women who had an operative vaginal delivery (forceps or ventouse delivery) were more likely to report the practice of pelvic floor exercises than those having a spontaneous vaginal delivery. No significant difference was found in reported rates of stress incontinence between women who had different modes of delivery. The practice of pelvic floor exercises daily or more often during pregnancy was associated with less reported postnatal incontinence compared with less frequent practice. KEY CONCLUSIONS: self-reported rates of practice of pelvic floor exercises increased from pregnancy to the immediate postnatal period and subsequently declined. A third of women reported the symptoms of stress incontinence after delivery. Daily or more frequent practice of the exercises during pregnancy may be required in order to prevent postnatal incontinence (although further research is required to confirm this finding). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: midwives should continue to encourage regular and frequent practice of pelvic floor exercises in the postnatal period and beyond. They also need to ask about symptoms of stress incontinence and refer as necessary.     

The effects of uterine fundal pressure (Kristeller maneuver) on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery

Purpose

To evaluate the role of uterine fundal pressure during the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) on pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary and anal incontinence, genital prolapse, pelvic floor strength).

Methods

522 primiparous women, enrolled 3?months after vaginal delivery, were divided in two groups: group A (297 women) identifies the women who received Kristeller maneuvers with different indications (e.g. fetal distress, failure to progress, mother exhaustion), group B (225 women) the women without maneuver. Participants were questioned about urogynecological symptoms and examined by Q-tip test, digital test, vaginal perineometry and uroflowmetric stop test score.

Results

Mediolateral episiotomies, dyspareunia and perineal pain were significantly higher in Kristeller group, whereas urinary and anal incontinence, genital prolapse and pelvic floor strength were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Kristeller maneuver does not modify puerperal pelvic floor function but increases the rate of episiotomies.     

Postpartum urinary symptoms: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of urinary symptoms, the relationship between urinary symptoms and vaginal descent, and the association between urinary symptoms and obstetric factors. STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred and thirty-seven women were interviewed and underwent a urogynaecological evaluation 3 months after vaginal delivery. Quantitative-type variables were subjected to Student's t test. Simple logistic regression analyses were carried out on the symptoms studied as a function of risk factors. RESULTS: 8.2% of primiparae showed stress urinary incontinence and multiparae in 20% (P=0.0001); urge incontinence was present in 5.5% of primiparae and in 13% of multiparae (P=0.004). Significant correlations were found among operative vaginal delivery, dysuria (P=0.048) and frequency (P=0.036). Urinary incontinence appeared associated with induced labour with prostaglandins (P=0.018) and with general maternal factors, such as parity (P=0.001) and elevated weight at the beginning of pregnancy (P=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the pathogenesis of postpartum urinary incontinence includes not only the effects of pelvic floor trauma on urethrovesical mobility under stress, but also a deficiency in urethral resistance caused by drugs, such as prostaglandins.     

Pelvic floor morbidity at 3 years after instrumental delivery and cesarean delivery in the second stage of labor and the impact of a subsequent delivery

OBJECTIVE: To compare pelvic floor symptoms at three years following instrumental delivery and cesarean section in the second stage of labor and to assess the impact of a subsequent delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 393 women with term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies who required instrumental vaginal delivery in theatre or cesarean section at full dilatation between February 1999 and February 2000. 283 women (72%) returned postal questionnaires at three years. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence at three years post delivery was greater in the instrumental delivery group as compared to the cesarean section group (10.5% vs 2.0%), OR 5.37 (95% CI, 1.7, 27.9). There were no significant differences in ano-rectal or sexual symptoms between the two groups. Pelvic floor symptoms were similar for women delivered by cesarean section after a failed trial of instrumental delivery compared to immediate cesarean section. A subsequent delivery did not increase the risk of pelvic floor symptoms at three years in either group. CONCLUSION: An increased risk of urinary incontinence persists up to three years following instrumental vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section in the second stage of labor. However, pelvic floor symptoms are not exacerbated by a subsequent delivery.     

分娩方式对产后妇女粪失禁及尿失禁的影响

目的 调查女性产后粪失禁和尿失禁的发生率及其相关因素.方法 电话随访2006年10月1日至2007年9月30日在北京大学第一医院妇产科分娩的产妇,共纳入2012例妇女,收集其产后6个月内粪失禁和尿失禁的症状.采用Logistic回归法分析分娩方式与尿失禁和粪失禁的关系.结果 (1)参与调查的2012例产后妇女,14例(0.70％)有粪失禁症状.Logistic回归分析显示,粪失禁与阴道产钳助产(OR=20.09,95％ CI:3.64～110.90,P=0.000)和会阴侧切术分娩相关(OR=6.11,95％ CI:1.29～28.80,P=0.024).(2)2012例妇女中产后尿失禁、压力性尿失禁(stress urinary incontinence,SUI)、急迫性尿失禁(urge urinary incontinence,UUI)、混合性尿失禁(mixed urinary incontinence,MUI)的发病率分别为10.04％(202例)、8.15％ (164例)、0.94％(19例)和0.94％(19例).Logistic回归分析显示,与SUI相关的因素有:母亲年龄(OR=1.07,95％ CI:1.04～1.11,P=0.000)、母亲分娩前体重(OR=1.04,95％CI:1.02～1.06,P=0.001)、新生儿头围(OR=1.20,95％ CI:1.05～1.39,P=0.010)、会阴侧切术分娩(OR=4.96,95％ CI:3.05～8.07,P=0.0005)、阴道自然分娩(OR=5.22,95％ CI:2.53～10.76,P=0.000)和阴道产钳助产(OR=9.20,95％ CI:4.07～20.79,P=0.000).与UUI相关的因素有:产妇分娩前体重(OR=1.51,95％CI:1.12～2.05,P=0.008).与MUI相关的因素有:产妇分娩前体重(OR=1.06,95％ CI:1.00～1.11,P=0.049)、第二产程时限(OR=1.01,95％ CI:1.00～1.03,P=0.010)、会阴侧切术分娩(OR=7.76,95％ CI:1.42～42.52,P=0.017)和阴道产钳助产(OR=15.21,95％ CI:1.61～143.44,P=0.018).(3)产后4d和产后42 d SUI的发病率较高分别为7.95％和9.10％.结论 (1)本院产后妇女粪失禁和尿失禁的发病率较先前报道的其他地区的发病率低.(2)阴道分娩是妇女产后粪失禁和尿失禁发生的高危因素,特别是阴道产钳助产和会阴侧切术分娩.(3)母亲的年龄、分娩前体重、新生儿出生时头围、阴道自然分娩、产钳助产、会阴侧切术是发生尿失禁的高危因素.