Negligent Treatment of Anal Muscle Childbirth Tear
Injury to the anal muscles which control bowel movement occur to a surprising, and possibly rising, number of women during vaginal childbirth. Competent and timely medical attention is essential if the new mother is to avoid permanent bowel symptoms.
Care Bundle Guidelines
The current Care Bundle created by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in cooperation with the Royal College of Midwives suggests key processes vital to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of severe perineal and anal damage during childbirth.
- Inform the woman about OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries) and what steps can be taken to minimise her risk
- Use of manual perineal protection
- Medio-lateral episiotomy (60 degree angle) at crowning to be used when indicated
- Perineum must be examined after delivery and any tears graded according to the RCOG guidelines. Examination should include a per rectum check even when the perineum appears intact.
The RCOG further recommends specific conditions, materials and techniques for the repair of 3rd and 4th degree tears according to the location and nature of damage i.e. whether the external or internal muscle or internal lining of the anal canal is damaged.
Undiagnosed damage
A tear to the anal sphincter which controls bowel movements can reduce the effectiveness of the muscle function. This can leave a new mother experiencing extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet or suffering embarrassing leakage. At worst, she may lose control of the passing of wind and faeces or even require the creation of a stoma.
The consequence of this on a woman's quality of life, her ability to work and her ability to both bond with and support her newly-born child can be considerable.
If medical negligence has played a part in this appalling outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence
Unfortunately, medical negligence can occur at several stages of the process of giving birth. It may relate to the nature of the support given during birth, especially during instrumental deliveries, or to the quality of care following the birth. A failure to diagnose and repair such severe injuries can be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a specialist lawyer
Glynns, a dedicated medical negligence practice, has supported numerous women in making highly-successful compensation claims for the poor quality of their medical care during vaginal childbirth.
If you are suffering the on-going impact of an unrepaired severe anal tear, contact us to talk to a solicitor with expertise in this specialist field.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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