The prevalence of occult obstetric anal sphincter injury following childbirth—literature review

Abstract

After a review of the literature, occult anal sphincter injury is mostly associated with the first vaginal delivery and is particularly high following instrumental deliveries. Ventouse is less traumatic than forceps. Cesarean section is protective to the anal sphincter.

Is obstetric anal sphincter injury a risk factor for levator ani muscle avulsion in vaginal delivery?

“…The main limitation of this study is that the main inclusion criterion, OASI, was evaluated clinically, so we cannot rule out the possibility of undiagnosed or hidden OASI in women in the control group. The incidence of hidden OASI is 2–5% in vaginal deliveries. Adequate training in knowledge of perineal anatomy and digital examination of the perineum after childbirth comprise the cornerstone for the optimal diagnosis of OASI.…”

Long‐term outcome after obstetric injury: a retrospective study

“…Between 11 and 61% of these women develop varying degrees of anal incontinence (4,9–13). Fecal and urinary incontinence also appear without a visible sphincter tear, suggesting occult sphincter injury (14–17) or innervation damage to the pelvic floor muscles. The prevalence of occult sphincter injury seems rather high (13–49%; 14,15,17).…”

“…Fecal and urinary incontinence also appear without a visible sphincter tear, suggesting occult sphincter injury (14–17) or innervation damage to the pelvic floor muscles. The prevalence of occult sphincter injury seems rather high (13–49%; 14,15,17). A slowing down of pudendal nerve conduction has also been observed after delivery (13,18,19).…”

Prevalencia De Incontinencia Fecal en Personas Que Acuden a Policlínicosde Un Hospital Universitario

“…En nuestra experiencia la IF se relacionó solamente con el número de partos, pero no con el peso del neonato ni con el uso de fórceps lo que es coincidente con otras experiencias reportadas 28 , este último se asocia a formas más graves de IF.…”