Negligent Anal Sphincter Care in Vaginal Childbirth
Approximately 5% of women who give birth through the vagina suffer a tear to the perineum of such severity that the muscles which control the bowel are damaged in the process.
Such injuries are referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries or third and fourth degree tears. Without prompt and competent treatment, these injuries can cause the new mother a lifetime of misery and disability. If the anal sphincter function is compromised, the woman may suffer permanent loss of control over her bowels, meaning that she may experience incontinence of both wind and faeces. She may additionally suffer leakage from the vagina if her injury causes a fistula to develop between her rectum and her vagina.
In some circumstances, the injury is such that bowel function cannot be recovered and the woman will be fitted with permanent stoma.
Consequently, the level of care of the woman's perineum during vaginal childbirth is crucial to the successful avoidance of, or recovery from, a severe birth tear. If understanding of the nature of such an injury is lacking, if assessment for any injury is inadequate or if the repair of any damage is not of a competent quality, the woman may suffer permanent symptoms.
Successful treatment of third and fourth degree tears requires an accurate diagnosis shortly after the birth of the baby. A failure to carry out the necessary examinations in order to check for any damage may be regarded as negligent by the medical professionals who attended the birth.
All women who give birth through the vagina, rather than undergoing a caesarean section, should receive a digital rectal examination after the birth. The purpose of this is to check for any damage to the anal muscles and the anal canal. Without such an examination, it is likely that damage to the anal sphincter will be missed and, subsequently, not repaired.
The impact of such negligence can affect the woman's quality of life and ability to work dramatically, often damaging her level of self-confidence and willingness to leave her home.
A successful compensation claim can serve to reduce this impact both in terms of financial losses caused by the negligence as well as acknowledging the damage which has been done.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling financial, physical and psychological impact of a severe birth tear due to medical negligence, contact Glynns Solicitors.
Specialists in medical negligence compensation, we have extensive expertise in claims for negligent treatment of anal sphincter injuries. One of our team of expert lawyers will be very happy to speak with you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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