Essential Classification of Perineal Trauma after Childbirth
The majority of women suffer some form of perineal trauma or tear during vaginal childbirth. If you are one of the unlucky ones who has suffered a severe tear, you will understand the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis and repair.
Classification of perineal trauma
Perineal tears come in a variety of forms and the symptoms they may cause can vary accordingly. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have provided clear guidelines as to the classification of these injuries of vaginal birth:
- 1st degree tears cause injury to the perineal skin and/or vaginal mucosa
- 2nd degree tears cause injury to the skin and muscle of the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus. They do not damage the anal muscles.
- 3a tears additionally cause damage to the up to 50% thickness of the external anal sphincter muscle
- 3b tears additionally cause damage to more than 50% of the external anal sphincter muscle
- 3c tears additionally cause damage to the internal anal sphincter muscle
- 4th degree tears additionally cause damage to the internal lining of the anal canal
- Rectal Buttonhole tears damage the internal lining of the rectum without causing damage to the anal sphincter
Assessment of a new mother's perineal or anal damage, should there be any, should take place shortly after the vaginal birth. A thorough examination of the perineum including a digital examination of the rectum should be undertaken by the medical professionals who have attended the birth. Any perineal damage should be precisely and accurately diagnosed.
If this does not occur, and the new mother has, in fact, suffered a severe, 3rd or 4th degree tear, she may never reach the attention of an experienced surgeon. She may never receive a skilled repair of her anal damage.
A 1st or 2nd degree tear can be repaired by a midwife on the maternity ward, meaning that a new mother with a severe tear may be sent home to suffer permanent bowel symptoms. This could include both wind and faecal incontinence.
Claiming compensation
If you are struggling with the shocking effects of an unrepaired severe birth tear, you may be struggling to leave the home and travel, let alone go to work. Even if you are able to work, the type of work you are able to undertake and the hours you can manage may have been compromised by your anal damage and its unpleasant effects.
If your on-going bowel problems are due to a failure by medical professional to diagnose and repair severe perineal trauma, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence professional about your situation and whether it would be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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