Severe Third Degree Tear Misdiagnosed as Second Degree Tear
Failure to carry out a thorough post-natal examination left Naomi with years of distress and appalling bowel problems.
When she was admitted to hospital for the birth of her first baby, Naomi had been hoping for a water birth. Due to complications, however, it became necessary for Naomi to undergo an instrumental delivery with the use of forceps.
Following the delivery of a healthy baby, it was recorded that Naomi had a tear due to having had an episiotomy as well as a small 2nd degree tear.
However, Naomi does not seem to have received a digital rectal examination to check the condition of her anal sphincter, as is usual after a vaginal birth, especially where forceps have been used.
The obstetrician who had attended the birth was called away to an emergency and Naomi's tears were repaired by the midwife in the delivery suite.
Unfortunately, Naomi had actually suffered a 3rd degree tear, which had damaged her external anal sphincter, but she was not to be diagnosed accurately for another three years.
In the meantime, Naomi suffered extremely distressing and debilitating bowel symptoms which were practically difficult to manage and affected her self-confidence and her willingness to leave her home whether to support her child in socialising activities, to work or to pursue her other interests. Understandably, it was a very demanding time emotionally.
For a considerable time, Naomi told herself that her bowel urgency and incontinence were normal following vaginal birth. Or that they were a complication of haemorrhoids, from which she had been suffering. She attended numerous hospital and GP appointments to try to resolve her on-going problems.
It was only after the latter problem had been improved that it became apparent that Naomi's bowel symptoms were caused by an undiagnosed and unrepaired third degree tear which she had suffered during the birth of her baby.
At this point, Naomi agreed to undergo surgery to try to improve or resolve her bowel symptoms.
Surgery brought about some improvement of Naomi's bowel problems but she continued to struggle with control and urgency with regard to both wind and faeces.
Naomi's third degree tear should have been identifiable had she undergone a thorough examination following the birth of her baby. Subsequent to an accurate diagnosis, she should have received a skilled repair by an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre. She should not have suffered the years of distress and dysfunction with which she has had to cope.
Naomi has been determined to try to develop her education and pursue a career although her continuing symptoms are a cause of concern.
With the support of Glynns, Naomi has reached a successful resolution with compensation in excess of £150,000. This should enable her to carry out the adaptations to her home which will make it easier to manage her on-going symptoms.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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