Left with a Stoma Due to Poor Maternity Care
It seems astonishing that giving birth can leave a woman with a permanent stoma, but for an unfortunate few, poor maternity care can mean just that.
Severe perineal tears
Vaginal childbirth can cause the skin and muscle of the perineum between the vagina and the anus to stretch and tear. If the tear extends beyond this region and affects the anal sphincter, too, the long-term physical, practical and emotional problems can be significant.
Obstetric anal sphincter tears (OASI) cause damage to the muscles which control the bowel. The most severe of tears, a 4th degree tear, additionally causes damage to the internal lining of the anal canal.
Without prompt and accurate diagnosis and repair, such an injury can lead to the development of a fistula or passage between the vagina and the rectum.
Poor medical care and a delayed diagnosis, however, can mean that an effective repair is not possible and the fitting of a stoma may be necessary to provide bowel function.
Poor-quality maternity care
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that every woman who has undergone vaginal childbirth should receive a thorough examination of the perineum following the birth. This should include a digital, rectal examination to check the condition of the anal sphincter.
Any damage to the anal sphincter should be meticulously classified as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear and then be repaired accordingly by an experienced surgeon.
A failure to achieve either accurate diagnosis or competent repair may be regarded a poor-quality maternity care.
If the new mother is left with a stoma, the impact on her life is likely to be both dramatic and long-lasting. Her confidence may be damaged and her quality of life restricted by the necessity of managing her bowel problems and her stoma. Her ability to work may be affected and her income severely restricted by the impact of her poor-quality care.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which can address many of these issues, providing recompense for financial losses and recognition of the poor quality of care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the appalling long-term impact of poor-quality maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with considerable experience and expertise in supporting birth tear compensation claims. Contact us today to talk t one of our team of specialist solicitors.
Contact us today to speak to one of our team.
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