Bowel Problems Following Poor-quality Maternity Care
On-going bowel symptoms after vaginal childbirth may be a sign that you have been the victim of medical negligence and may justify a claim for compensation.
What causes long-term post-natal bowel problems?
Long-term bowel problems such as urgency and leakage after vaginal childbirth may suggest that you have suffered a 3rd or 4th degree tear which has not been effectively repaired.
Birth tears are not uncommon and a small minority of women suffer a severe tear. The severity of the symptoms is caused by the fact that 3rd and 4th degree tears extend across the perineum to damage the anus and the muscles which control bowel function.
If this has happened to a woman during the birth of her baby, it is essential that the damage is identified and that it is classified and recorded accurately. A failure to do this may mean that this appalling injury is not repaired.
Severe birth tears vary in extent and need to be diagnosed precisely in order to ensure that the full extent of the injury is repaired. A partial repair will still allow the woman to suffer on-going, distressing and disabling symptoms. A prompt, skilled and full repair is essential.
3rd and 4th degree tears
The anal sphincter is comprised of both external and internal muscles which, in combination control the passing of wind and faeces.
- A 3a tear damages less than 50% of the external muscle
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external muscle
- A 3c tear damages both the external and internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the internal lining of the anal canal
If a 4th degree tear is not diagnosed and repaired, it is also possible for a fistula or hole to develop between the anus and the vagina, allowing wind and faeces to pass form one to the other and leak from the vagina.
Medical negligence
A failure to carry out a thorough examination of a woman following vaginal childbirth, allowing a severe injury to be missed may be regarded as negligent.
A failure to diagnose the injury correctly may be regarded as negligent.
A failure to carry out a full and effective repair may be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a medical negligence specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling consequences of an undiagnosed or unrepaired severe birth tear, contact Glynns Solicitors.
Specialists in medical negligence law, we offer extensive expertise in birth tear compensation claims and will be happy to discuss your situation with you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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