Misdiagnosed Third Degree Tear
Shortly after the birth of her first child, Jill was advised that she had received a 2nd degree tear. After more than a year of discomfort and anxiety, it was suggested that she might, in fact, have a 3rd degree tear.
Jill had planned a home birth for her first child but, due to high blood pressure, was transferred to a maternity ward when the time came. After two hours of pushing, Jill's baby was eventually delivered with the assistance of vacuum extraction on the advice of the registrar.
An examination was undertaken by the registrar who identified a posterior vaginal wall tear but no 3rd or 4th degree tear. The second degree tear was then repaired with stitches. Vaginal and rectal examinations were carried out following the procedure but, apparently, still no diagnosis of a 3rd degree tear.
Jill was discharged with her baby the following day.
Over the next two months, Jill became concerned that her vagina and perineum had not been repaired properly. She expressed her concerns to her GP who felt that nothing could be done as her perineum appeared to have healed.
However, Jill began to experience problems of wind and faecal incontinence so, one year later, she visited her GP again and was referred to a gynaecologist for investigation. The gynaecologist carried out an examination, confirming that there appeared to be a deficiency in Jill's perineum with excessive proximity between the vagina and anus. She suggested that Jill may, in fact, have suffered a 3rd degree tear during the birth which had not been diagnosed and repaired at the time and was now causing the problems which she was experiencing.
Jill was referred to a colorectal surgeon and investigations continued. She was advised that she would probably need surgery to repair the damage and that there was a possibility that she may become more incontinent as she gets older.
In the meantime, Jill became pregnant with her second child which she had delivered by caesarean section for fear of causing further damage to her perineum and causing even worse long-term incontinence effects.
Jill has continued to experience problems of faecal leakage and needs to be able to reach a toilet urgently. Understandably, this has affected many aspects of her home, work and social life.
Jill consulted Glynns who supported her claim against the NHS Trust for failure to diagnose and repair her 3rd degree tear, leaving her with on-going and distressing symptoms and the need for further surgery. She was awarded in excess of £75,000.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
Would You Like Assistance from Specialist Birth Injury Claims Solicitors?
If you would like to benefit from a service of excellence with total commitment to client care from a small and friendly team, Glynns are ready and waiting to help you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
