Birth Tear Missed due to Examination Failures
A failure to carry out a proper assessment of a woman's perineum after childbirth can lead to significant permanent symptoms and justify a claim for compensation.
Examination guidelines
The guidelines issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on perineal management during vaginal childbirth make the following statement:
"All women having a vaginal delivery are at risk of sustaining OASIS or isolated buttonhole tears. They should therefore be examined systematically, including a digital rectal examination, to assess the severity of damage, particularly prior to suturing."
What is a digital rectal examination?
An initial inspection of a woman's perineum after vaginal childbirth may simply be a visual assessment. However, if severe anal damage is to be identified the woman may require a digital, rectal examination where a gloved finger is inserted into the anus to check the condition of the muscles which control the opening and closing of the bowel.
It is also important to assess the lining of the anal canal as an injury can lead to the woman developing a fistula or hole between the rectum and the vagina, thereby allowing wind and faeces to leak from the vagina rather than from the anus.
Why does this matter?
- If a woman is not thoroughly examined following vaginal childbirth, it is possible that a serious injury will be missed by medical staff. Vaginal childbirth can cause a woman to suffer damage to her anal sphincter which requires prompt diagnosis and repair in order to preserve her bowel control.
- A failure to repair any such damage can leave the woman with on-going symptoms such as an inability to prevent the passing of wind and faeces. She may also suffer discomfort and perineal infections, not to mention the possible embarrassment of bowel accidents.
- Bowel incontinence can restrict a woman's capacity to work and limit her income as well as causing a variety of other social, physical, psychological and practical problems.
- A failure to diagnose and repair such an injury, leading to pain, suffering and financial losses may justify a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence
If a 3rd degree, 4th degree or buttonhole tear are missed by medical professionals following vaginal childbirth, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the new mother suffers significant, long-term problems as a result of this failing, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you are suffering the appalling effects of an unrepaired anal injury.
We have supported numerous women in making such claims and will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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