Compensation for Failure to Diagnose a Fistula
An unrepaired fistula can cause considerable distress and anxiety and may even deprive a woman of the ability to work or to bring up her children in the way she would have wanted.
Post-natal examination
According to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists all women who have given birth via the vagina should undergo a thorough perineal examination following the birth. This should include a digital, rectal examination to check for any evidence of a 3rd degree tear, a fourth degree tear, a buttonhole tear or a fistula.
If a midwife or other professional attendant at the birth has any doubts as to the nature of the injury they have observed, they should seek a second opinion. The symptoms of a severe birth tear or a fistula are too extreme and life-changing to leave to chance.
The impact of an unrepaired fistula
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal passage between the rectum and the vagina. Such an injury can occasionally develop during vaginal childbirth and requires the attention of a skilled surgeon for it to be repaired.
A failure to identify and repair a fistula can mean that wind and faeces pass from the woman's rectum into her vagina and leak out of her body from there.
This means that the woman will have no control over when this occurs as it is not the natural method for wind and faeces to leave the body.
The physical, practical and emotional impact can be dramatic, affecting the woman's confidence, her willingness to leave the home and her ability to work.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail to carry out a thorough examination of the mother after childbirth, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the woman affected suffers long-term bowel problems as a result of being left with an unrepaired anal defect, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the physical and psychological impact of an undiagnosed and unrepaired severe birth tear, contact Glynns to talk to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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