Compensation for Anal Muscle Damage in Childbirth
The anal muscles are the muscles around the anus which provide control over the passing of wind and faeces. If the anal muscles are damaged, a person can find it difficult to control their bowels and may become incontinent. This means they may pass wind or faeces involuntarily.
Anal damage in childbirth
The anal muscles can become damaged during vaginal childbirth, especially in women who come into the following categories:
- those giving birth to their first baby
- those giving birth to a large baby
- those having an instrumental delivery with forceps or ventouse
- those of Asian ethnicity
The occurrence of anal damage, what is otherwise described as severe perineal tears, is a risk of vaginal childbirth. It is not necessarily a sign of medical negligence.
However, the impact of such damage can be life-changing and, for this reason, every attempt to prevent and repair any injury should be undertaken.
Assessing anal damage in childbirth
Guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that women who have experienced vaginal childbirth should undergo a thorough examination following the birth. This is not simply a visually examination of the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus. In order to be sure that any anal damage has been identified - or ruled out - it is necessary for a digital, rectal examination to be carried out as well. This involves the insertion of a gloved finger into the anus to assess its condition. Without this procedure it is possible that anal damage will be missed.
If you are continuing to experience significant bowel problems such as leakage or urgency following the vaginal birth of your baby, it is possible that you have an unrepaired severe tear which has damaged your anal muscles. Third and fourth degree tears need to be repaired by a surgeon in an operating theatre shortly after the birth of the baby and a failure to do this may be regarded as negligent.
Contact a medical negligence solicitor
If you are struggling with the impact of an unrepaired severe perineal tear, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
If you are struggling to work because of your condition, a successful compensation claim should provide recompense for your financial losses caused by the negligence.
Here at Glynns we have supported numerous women in making successful claims for poor medical care of severe perineal tears. Ring us today to talk to an experienced specialist solicitor.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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