Risk factors for third degree perineal ruptures during delivery

Objective To determine risk factors for the occurrence of third degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery.
Design A population-based observational study.
Population All 284,783 vaginal deliveries in 1994 and 1995 recorded in the Dutch National Obstetric Database were included in the study.
Methods Third degree perineal rupture was defined as any rupture involving the anal sphincter muscles. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors.
Main outcome measures An overall rate of third degree perineal ruptures of 1.94% was found. High fetal birthweight, long duration of the second stage of delivery and primiparity were associated with an elevated risk of anal sphincter damage. Mediolateral episiotomy appeared to protect strongly against damage to the anal sphincter complex during delivery (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.20–0.23). All types of assisted vaginal delivery were associated with third degree perineal ruptures, with forceps delivery (OR: 3.33, 95%-CI: 2.97–3.74) carrying the largest risk of all assisted vaginal deliveries. Use of forceps combined with other types of assisted vaginal delivery appeared to increase the risk even further.
Conclusions Mediolateral episiotomy protects strongly against the occurrence of third degree perineal ruptures and may thus serve as a primary method of prevention of faecal incontinence. Forceps delivery is a stronger risk factor for third degree perineal tears than vacuum extraction. If the obstetric situation permits use of either instrument, the vacuum extractor should be the instrument of choice with respect to the prevention of faecal incontinence.     

Obstetric Perineal Tears in Pregnant Adolescents and the Influencing Factors

Study ObjectiveThe incidence and risk factors of obstetric perineal tear occurrence in vaginal delivery of adolescent pregnant patients are not well established. We aimed to describe the incidence of obstetric perineal tears in adolescents and the maternal obstetric risk factors associated with this situation.DesignRetrospective cohort studySettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, TurkeyParticipantsAdolescent pregnant patients (≤19 years) who delivered vaginally in our institution between January 2014 and January 2021Interventions and Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measures were the incidence of perineal tears, the degree of perineal tears, and the risk factors associated with severe perineal tears in adolescents. Severe perineal tears include third- and fourth-degree lacerations. A third-degree tear is defined as partial or complete disruption of the anal sphincter muscles, and a fourth-degree tear is defined as lacerations involving the rectal mucosa.ResultsA total of 3441 adolescents who had a vaginal delivery were included in the study. The rate of severe perineal tear was 5.8% (200/3441). Risk factors associated with obstetric laceration in adolescents in multivariate analysis were nulliparity (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.14–2.41; P = 0.007), high birth weight (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 2.71–6.21; P < 0.001), and labor induction (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01–1.85; P = 0.02). Spontaneous onset of labor and previous delivery reduced the risk of severe perineal tear in adolescent pregnant patients (respectively, OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51–0.94; P = 0.02 and OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33–0.79; P = 0.007).ConclusionsIn adolescents, the risk of severe perineal tear was associated with nulliparity, birth weight, and labor induction. The only possible modifiable risk factor was labor induction.     

Is severe perineal damage increased in women with prior anal sphincter injury?

OBJECTIVE: There is conflicting data in the literature regarding the risk of obstetric anal sphincter laceration in patients with a prior laceration. This retrospective chart review seeks to examine the risk of recurrence of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations. METHODS: Patients who sustained anal sphincter laceration at delivery during a 13-year time period from January 1991 to December 2003 were identified from the medical records database at Temple University Hospital. All subsequent deliveries in this group of patients were extracted from the database. Chart review was performed on all subsequent deliveries with specific attention to demographic factors such as age, race, parity, etc., maternal weight, fetal weight, presence of maternal diabetes, and labor characteristics such as induction or augmentation of labor, instrumentation at delivery (vacuum or forceps), use of episiotomy, and degree of perineal laceration. RESULTS: There were 23 451 vaginal deliveries at Temple University Hospital between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2003. Anal sphincter laceration was noted in 778 subjects. Subsequent deliveries among the group of patients with prior sphincter tears numbered 271. Six (2.4%) patients had recurrence of anal sphincter lacerations, and five of them were third degree lacerations. The rate of recurrent lacerations was not significantly different from the rate of initial lacerations (2.4% vs. 3.3%; odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.33-1.59; p = 0.4). Women who sustained recurrent lacerations were older, more obese (mean weight 92 kg vs. 82 kg), had larger babies (3506 g vs. 3227 g), and were more likely to have episiotomies (66.7% vs. 7%) or instrumental deliveries (33.3 vs. 6.5%). CONCLUSION: Prior anal sphincter laceration does not result in an increased rate of recurrence. Operative vaginal delivery particularly with episiotomy is a risk factor for both initial and recurrent laceration.     

Third degree obstetric perineal tears: risk factors and the preventive role of mediolateral episiotomy

Objective To determine risk factors for third degree obstetric perineal tears and to give recommendations for prevention.
Design Retrospective case–control study.
Setting A teaching hospital in The Netherlands.
Participants and methods One hundred and twenty cases of vaginal delivery complicated by third degree perineal tear and 702 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries were compared, with respect to possible risk factors.
Results In a multivariate model high birthweight, forceps delivery, induced labour, epidural anaesthesia and parity were risk factors for anal sphincter tear. In addition, mediolateral episiotomy was associated with fewer sphincter injuries. Separate analysis of nulli- and multiparous women demonstrated that high birthweight and epidural anaesthesia (increased risk) and mediolateral episiotomy (decreased risk) were factors associated with anal sphincter tear only in nulliparous women.
Conclusions We found several risk factors for anal sphincter tear. Nulliparous women are at higher risk than multiparous women. Mediolateral episiotomy may be sphincter-saving especially in nulliparous women and therefore prevent them from chronic faecal incontinence.     

Is severe perineal damage increased in women with prior anal sphincter injury?

Objective.?There is conflicting data in the literature regarding the risk of obstetric anal sphincter laceration in patients with a prior laceration. This retrospective chart review seeks to examine the risk of recurrence of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations.

Methods.?Patients who sustained anal sphincter laceration at delivery during a 13-year time period from January 1991 to December 2003 were identified from the medical records database at Temple University Hospital. All subsequent deliveries in this group of patients were extracted from the database. Chart review was performed on all subsequent deliveries with specific attention to demographic factors such as age, race, parity, etc., maternal weight, fetal weight, presence of maternal diabetes, and labor characteristics such as induction or augmentation of labor, instrumentation at delivery (vacuum or forceps), use of episiotomy, and degree of perineal laceration.

Results.?There were 23 451 vaginal deliveries at Temple University Hospital between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2003. Anal sphincter laceration was noted in 778 subjects. Subsequent deliveries among the group of patients with prior sphincter tears numbered 271. Six (2.4%) patients had recurrence of anal sphincter lacerations, and five of them were third degree lacerations. The rate of recurrent lacerations was not significantly different from the rate of initial lacerations (2.4% vs. 3.3%; odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.33–1.59; p = 0.4). Women who sustained recurrent lacerations were older, more obese (mean weight 92 kg vs. 82 kg), had larger babies (3506 g vs. 3227 g), and were more likely to have episiotomies (66.7% vs. 7%) or instrumental deliveries (33.3 vs. 6.5%).

Conclusion.?Prior anal sphincter laceration does not result in an increased rate of recurrence. Operative vaginal delivery particularly with episiotomy is a risk factor for both initial and recurrent laceration.     

Anal incontinence after obstetric sphincter tears: incidence in a Norwegian county

BACKGROUND: Anal sphincter tears during vaginal delivery are a major cause of anal incontinence. We wanted to assess the incidence in a Norwegian county where primary repairs are performed in four hospitals using similar per- and postoperative protocol for the treatment of such injuries. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was distributed to all women who underwent primary repair of obstetric sphincter tears in the years 1999 and 2000 in the county of M?re and Romsdal. Symptoms of incontinence and fecal urgency were recorded. Incontinence was assessed using the Pescatori score system. RESULTS: Clinically detected sphincter tears occurred in 180 of 5123 vaginal deliveries (3.5%). The questionnaire was returned by 156 women (87%). Six women were excluded. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 4-39). Incontinence was reported by 88 women (59%), restricted to flatus incontinence in 53 cases (35%). Fecal urgency without incontinence was reported by 14 women (9%). Sixty-three women (42%) reported de novo moderate to severe symptoms. There was no difference in outcome whether the sphincter injury was partial or complete. Mean Pescatori score was 3.7 in women who felt disabled compared with 2.9 in women who did not feel disabled by their incontinence (P < 0.001). Of 29 women who felt disabled, only three had sought medical attention. Fifty-eight women (39%) had received no information about the sphincter tear before discharge. CONCLUSION: Anal incontinence is common after both partial and complete obstetric sphincter tears. Information before discharge is deficient, and women avoid seeking medical attention when incontinence develops.     

Postpartum sphincter rupture and anal incontinence: prospective study with 259 patients

AIMS: Damage to the anal sphincter has been considered as the cause of anal incontinence after childbirth. The aims of the present study were to determine prospectively the incidence of anal incontinence and anal sphincter damage after childbirth, and their relationship with obstetric parameters in France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 259 consecutive women six weeks before and eight weeks after delivery. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire dealing with faecal and urinary incontinence. Anal endosonography (B&K 7-10 MHz) was then performed. Two independent observers analyzed internal and external anal sphincters. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-three women (90%) were assessed, among whom 31 had had a caesarean section. De novo sphincter defects were observed in 19.3% (39 patients) in the postpartum period only after vaginal delivery (202 patients). These disruptions occurred with the same incidence after the first and second childbirth. Independent risk factors (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) for sphincter defect were forceps (odds ratio 11.9; 4.8-33.3), perineal tears (odds ratio 16.1; 4.4-83.9), episiotomy (odds ratio 6.6; 1.7-34.2), and pauciparity < or = 2 (odds ratio 8.8; 1-78.3), as revealed by multivariate analyses. The overall rate of de novo anal incontinence was 9% (20 patients), and independent risk factors involved forceps (odds ratio 4.5; 1.5-13), perineal tears (odds ratio 3.9; 1.4-10.9), de novo sphincter defect (odds ratio 5.5; 5-15) and prolonged labor (odds ratio 3.4; 1-11). Among the 20 women who had de novo anal incontinence, only 45% (9 patients) had sphincter defects. CONCLUSION: De novo anal incontinence after delivery is multifactorial and anal sphincter defects account only for 50% of them. Primiparous and secundiparous women have the same high-risk factor for sphincter disruption and anal incontinence. Since external anal sphincter disruptions are more frequent than internal anal sphincter damage, surgical repair should be discussed.     

Repair techniques for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare one-year outcomes of primary overlap versus end-to-end repair of the external anal sphincter after acute obstetric anal sphincter injury. METHODS: Women who sustained third-degree (3b = greater than 50% external anal sphincter thickness, 3c = internal sphincter injury) or fourth-degree (including anorectal epithelium) perineal tears were randomly allocated to either immediate primary overlap or end-to-end repair. They were prospectively followed up for 12 months postrepair with serial questionnaires. The primary outcome was fecal incontinence at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were fecal urgency, flatus incontinence, perineal pain, dyspareunia, quality of life, and improvement of anal incontinence symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty-two women were randomized to each group. At 12 months, 24% (6/25) in the end-to-end and none in the overlap group reported fecal incontinence (P = .009, relative risk [RR] 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00-1.21, number needed to treat 4.2). Fecal urgency at 12 months was reported by 32% (8/25) in the end-to-end and 3.7% (1/27) in the overlap group (P = .02, RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.86, number needed to treat 3.6). There were no significant differences in dyspareunia and quality of life between the groups. At 12 months, 20% (5/25) reported perineal pain in the end-to-end and none in the overlap group (P = .04, RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00-1.45, number needed to treat 5). During 12 months, 16% (4/25) in the end-to-end and none in the overlap group reported deterioration of defecatory symptoms (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Primary overlap repair of the external anal sphincter is associated with a significantly lower incidence of fecal incontinence, urgency, and perineal pain. When symptoms do develop, they appear to remain unchanged or deteriorate in the end-to-end group but improve in the overlap group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.     

Third and fourth degree perineal tears. Predictor factors in a referral hospital

BACKGROUND: Tears of the anal sphincter are a feared complication of vaginal delivery, as many as 50% of these patients experience incontinence as an after-effect. Identifying significant predictor factors leading to third or fourth degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery was the objective of this study. METHODS: During a two-year period (1995-1996), a third or fourth degree perineal rupture occurred in 214 women (3.7%) after vaginal delivery. Data from these deliveries were collected and compared to data from deliveries without anal sphincter tears in order to identify risk factors. A stepwise logistic regression model was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Independent risk factors of significance were vaginal nulliparity, a squatting position on a delivery chair, maternal age exceeding 35 years, baby's birth weight over 4000 g, vacuum extraction (both outlet and mid release), median episiotomy, oxytocin augmentation and birthing between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several factors associated with anal sphincter tears. Median episiotomy should be avoided. Delivery, while squatting on a low chair, should be used with caution. A woman with one or more risk factors requires caution by birth attendants during delivery. Gynecologists should consider the option of cesarean section instead of vacuum extraction, especially when mid release is needed in the presence of macrosomia. A continuous audit regarding instrumental delivery technique is necessary.     

The incidence,risk factors and obstetric outcome in primigravid women sustaining anal sphincter tears

BACKGROUND: The incidence of anal sphincter tears is highest among nulliparous women. The aim of this study was to ascertain if there were other factors that increased their risk. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all primigravid vaginal deliveries that had sustained an anal sphincter tear (n = 122), compared with deliveries that did not have this complication (n = 16,050). The study sample was drawn from a computerized maternity information database, comprising 52 916 deliveries in the South Glamorgan region during 1990-99. SPSS version 10 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of anal sphincter tears in this study population was 0.8% (122/16172). Postdates (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.6) and fetal macrosomia (OR = 3.8, 2.4-6) together with induction of labor (OR = 1.5, 1.01-2.2), use of spinal analgesia at delivery (OR = 3.1, 1.1-8.4), assisted vaginal delivery (OR = 1.9, 1.3-2.7; especially the use of forceps, OR = 2.2, 1.3-3.9) and doctor-conducted deliveries (OR = 2.2, 1.6-3.2) were found to be associated with a significantly higher incidence of anal sphincter tears. Logistic regression revealed fetal macrosomia and doctor-conducted deliveries to be independent risk factors that, when occurring together, were associated with a fourfold increase in the risk of occurrence of anal sphincter tears. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that careful assessment and counseling of women, particularly > 40 weeks gestation or those potentially having macrosomic fetuses, especially if forceps are to be used for prolonged second stage in primigravid women, may help to identify those at significant risk of anal sphincter tears.     

Incidence, severity, and determinants of perineal pain after vaginal delivery: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of perineal pain in the 6 weeks after vaginal delivery and to assess the association between perineal trauma and perineal pain.Study design This was a prospective cohort study of parturients at 1 day, 7 days,' and 6 weeks' post partum in an academic tertiary obstetric unit in Toronto, Canada. Four hundred forty-four women were followed up, including women with an intact perineum (n=84), first-/second-degree tears (n=220), episiotomies (n=97), or third-/fourth-degree tears (n=46). Primary outcome was the incidence of perineal pain on day of interview; secondary outcomes were pain score measurements and interference with daily activities. RESULTS: Perineal trauma was more common among primiparous women, those with operative vaginal deliveries, and those with epidural analgesia during the second stage of labor. The incidence of perineal pain among the groups during the first week was intact perineum 75% (day 1) and 38% (day 7); first-/second-degree tears 95% and 60%; episiotomies 97% and 71%; and third-/fourth-degree tears 100% and 91%. By 6 weeks, the frequency of perineal pain was not statistically different between trauma groups. CONCLUSION: Acute postpartum perineal pain is common among all women. However, perineal pain was more frequent and severe for women with increased perineal trauma.     

Risk factors for and management of obstetric anal sphincter injury

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) include both third and fourth degree perineal tears. They are regarded as the most severe form of perineal trauma and may cause anal incontinence, perineal pain and dyspareunia. The risks of developing OASIs are increased by certain maternal, fetal, intrapartum and delivery factors. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination which can be improved by formal training. Primary repair is best performed immediately after childbirth. It is recommended that the external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) should be repaired with 3-0 polydioxanone suture (PDS) and the technique of repair of the varies based on grade of tear. Post-operative care involves routine antibiotics, laxative and pain-relief. Patients should be reviewed 6–12 weeks postpartum in a dedicated clinic with a clinician with a special interest in OASIs.     

The role of mediolateral episiotomy during labour: analysis of risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter tears

BACKGROUND: To determine risk factors for third-degree and complete third- or fourth-degree anal sphincter tears in vaginal delivery. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative study. Fifty-three women who had sustained an anal sphincter tear were compared with 9,178 women without such a complication between August 1997 and October 2001. Obstetric data was collected from an electronic database. The main outcome measures were odds ratios. RESULTS: In the whole study population, odds ratios (ORs) for third-degree tears were: primiparity, 8.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.98-17.48); vacuum extraction, 5.22 (95% CI 2.69-10.13); parietal presentation, 3.97 (95% CI 1.16-13.64); and birth weight >4,000 g, 3.77 (95% CI 2.11-6.68); and for complete third- or fourth-degree tears odds ratios were 5.42, 2.98, 5.64, and 3.01, respectively. In multivariate analysis, mediolateral episiotomy appeared to be protective as regards third-degree tears (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.2020-0.70]). CONCLUSIONS: Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery bears an increased risk of third-degree anal sphincter tears in a maternity unit where forceps are not used. Restricted use of mediolateral episiotomy may have a protective effect on the perineum.     

Factors predicting severe perineal trauma during childbirth: role of forceps delivery routinely combined with mediolateral episiotomy

OBJECTIVE: Anal sphincter injury and its sequelae are a recognized complication of vaginal childbirth. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for third- and fourth-degree perineal tears in patients undergoing either spontaneous or vaginal-assisted delivery by forceps routinely combined with mediolateral episiotomy. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed 5377 vaginal deliveries based on the analysis of the obstetric database and patient records of our department during a 5-year period from 1999 to 2003. Cases and control subjects were chosen randomly and patients' records were reviewed for the following variables: maternal age, parity, gestational age, tobacco use, gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension, use of peridural anesthesia, duration of first and second stages of labor, use of mediolateral episiotomy, forceps combined with mediolateral episiotomy, induction of labor, infant head diameter, shoulder circumference, and birth weight. RESULTS: Of 5044 spontaneous vaginal deliveries 32 (0.6%) and of 333 assisted vaginal deliveries 14 (4.2%) patients sustained a perineal defect involving the external sphincter. An univariate analysis of these 46 cases and 155 randomly selected control subjects showed that low parity (P = .003; Mann-Whitney U test), prolonged first and second stages of labor (P = .001, P = .001), high birth weight (P = .031), episiotomy (P = .004; Fisher exact test), and forceps delivery (P = .002) increased the risk for sphincter damage. In multivariate regression models, only high birth weight (P = .004; odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 1.18-2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]), and forceps delivery combined with mediolateral episiotomies (P < .001; OR 5.62, 2.16-14.62, 95% CI) proved to be independent risk factors. There was a statistical significant interaction of birth weight and head circumference (P = .012; OR 0.99, 0.98-0.99, 95% CI). Although the use of episiotomy conferred an increased risk toward a higher likelihood of severe perineal trauma, it did not reach statistical significance (P = .06; OR 2.15, 0.97-4.76, 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: In consistence with previous reports, women who are vaginally delivered of a large infant are at a high risk for sphincter damage. Although the rate of these complications was surprisingly low in vaginally assisted childbirth, the use of forceps, even if routinely combined with mediolateral episiotomy, should be minimized whenever possible.     

Management of the perineum during forceps delivery. Association of episiotomy with the frequency and severity of perineal trauma in women undergoing forceps delivery

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of the frequency and severity of perineal trauma with episiotomy performed at forceps delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study analyzed all forceps deliveries at the Semmelweis Women's Hospital Vienna between February 1999 and July 1999. Evaluation of a possible association of episiotomy with the frequency and severity of perineal trauma was the main objective of the study. Episiotomy was not performed routinely and was either midline or mediolateral. RESULTS: In conjunction with forceps delivery episiotomy, 76/87 women (87%) underwent forceps delivery episiotomy; among those, 49/76 (64%) had a mediolateral episiotomy and 27/76 (36%) a midline episiotomy. The frequency and severity of perineal tears were significantly lower in forceps deliveries when an episiotomy was performed. When analyzing the type of episiotomy, the data revealed a statistically significantly lower frequency of perineal trauma when mediolateral episiotomy was performed as compared to midline episiotomy. CONCLUSION: If obstetric indications necessitate forceps delivery, performance of an episiotomy decreases the risk of perineal tears of all degrees. When analyzing the type of episiotomy, mediolateral episiotomy seems to be more protective against perineal trauma in women undergoing forceps delivery.     

Validity of a rheumatic disease diagnosis in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway

BACKGROUND: In our population-based study of pregnancy outcome in women with rheumatic disease we based our assessment on the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). We evaluated the MBRN as a source of data for such epidemiologic research by assessing the validity of a diagnosis of rheumatic disease in the MBRN against a gold standard. The validity may also be interpreted as a quality indicator, reflecting an obstetrician's attention to rheumatic diseases in pregnancy. METHODS: Using the mother's national identification number the MBRN was linked with local hospital databases (gold standard), which contained data of mothers with rheumatic disease. The sensitivity of the MBRN was calculated as the proportion of all cases registered locally with a diagnosis of rheumatic disease notified to the MBRN. The correctness of type differentiation was calculated as the proportion of all cases notified to the MBRN that was correct with respect to the type of rheumatic disease. RESULTS: Among 169 mothers, 149 had a diagnosis in the MBRN, representing a sensitivity of 88.2%. Altogether, 97.3% of the diagnoses (145/149) were correct with respect to the type of rheumatic disease. CONCLUSION: Taken in to consideration the limitations of the study, namely the small numbers studied, we assume a rather high validity of rheumatic disease diagnoses in the MBRN, probably reflecting a high level of attention in the obstetric care for these patients.     

Cohort study of maternal and neonatal morbidity in relation to use of episiotomy at instrumental vaginal delivery

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal and neonatal morbidity related to use of episiotomy for vacuum and forceps deliveries. DESIGN: Retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Dundee, Scotland. POPULATION: Two thousand one hundred and fifty three women who experienced an instrumental vaginal delivery between January 1998 and December 2002. METHODS: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed comparing deliveries with and without the use of episiotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Extensive perineal tears (third and fourth degree) and shoulder dystocia. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-one (11%) of the 2153 women who underwent instrumental vaginal deliveries did not receive an episiotomy. Vacuum delivery was associated with less use of episiotomy compared with forceps (odds ratio 0.10, 95% CI 0.07-0.14). Extensive perineal tears were more likely with use of episiotomy (7.5%vs 2.5%, adjusted OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.27-6.72) as was neonatal trauma (6.0%vs 1.7%, adjusted OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.05-6.54). Use of episiotomy did not reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia (6.9%vs 4.6%, adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.74-2.76). The findings were similar for delivery by vacuum and forceps. CONCLUSION: The use of episiotomy increased the risk of extensive perineal tears without a reduction in the risk of shoulder dystocia.     

A prospective observational study on tears during vaginal delivery: occurrences and risk factors

BACKGROUND: To ascertain the occurrence and distribution of various types of I-IV degree tears, during childbirth, and analyze risk factors for perineal II degree tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2883 consecutive vaginal deliveries, during 1995-97 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in G?teborg Sweden, were included. All tears were classified according to an especially designed protocol, and risk factors for II degree tears were evaluated by use of univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Only 6.6% of nulliparous parturients had no detectable tear as compared to 34.2% in parous women. Almost half of the women suffered from a II degree tear during birth, and a higher proportion of nulliparous (16.6%) than parous (9.4%) women had extensive perineal lacerations. In addition, nulliparous were more likely than parous parturients to be subjected to a perineotomy (18.1% versus 5.6%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors remained independently associated with II degree tear: slight perineal edema, high infant weight, excellent visualization of perineum, increasing age of the mother, excellent cooperation of the women, protracted second phase (> 60 min) and duration of second phase < 30 min. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women (78%) undergoing childbirth had a tear and 47.1% suffered from perineal lacerations. Nulliparous women were more likely to have severe perineal lacerations or episiotomies. Similar risk factors were found for II degree tears as previously shown for III/IV degree tears.     

The first 18 months of a new perineal trauma clinic.

Anal incontinence after childbirth is both distressing and disabling. A perineal trauma clinic was set up at the Birmingham Women's Hospital with an obstetrician, a urogynaecologist and a colorectal surgeon to improve the follow-up of women with obstetric anal sphincter injury or childbirth-precipitated anal incontinence. Fifty-five women attended the clinic. Forty-one had sustained a recognised obstetric anal sphincter injury at delivery and of these women, 61% were symptomatic with 22% leaking solid or liquid faeces. Fourteen women attended with anal incontinence who had not been recognised as sustaining an anal sphincter injury at the time of delivery. Eleven women were offered a secondary surgical repair of their anal sphincter defect. Seven accepted surgical treatment and 85% (six) were continent following surgery. A perineal trauma clinic offers an opportunity for early assessment and reduction of morbidity from childbirth-related anal incontinence.