Permanent Sphincter Damage after Childbirth
Most women giving birth do not consider the possibility that it may lead to permanent incontinence. But for a few, this is the appalling outcome. Why does this happen?
What is the sphincter?
The term 'anal sphincter' refers to the muscles - both internal and external - that control the anus. It is these muscles which allow the bowels to be opened and closed. Therefore, they are fundamental to controlling when someone passes wind or faeces.
If control of these muscles is lost, the woman may become incontinent. At best, she may experience urgency and have very little time between feeling the need to go to the toilet and actually reaching the toilet. At worst, she may be completely incapable of determining when she passes faeces and wind.
What causes damage to the sphincter during childbirth?
The anal sphincter can be injured completely naturally during vaginal childbirth, especially when the baby is large or labour is prolonged. When the injury extends from the vagina, across the perineum and affects the anal sphincter, this is described as a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear. There is evidence that a forceps or ventouse - assisted birth may increase the chances of this type of injury occurring. It is also possible that, if you have been given an episiotomy during the birth to ease the passage of the baby, this may increase the likelihood of a more severe tear developing.
What are the symptoms of sphincter damage?
A woman who has received a tear affecting the sphincter may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain
- A need to go to the toilet urgently
- Leakage of faeces
- Passing wind involuntarily
- Incontinence
- Infections of the perineum
If the injury extends to the lining of the anal canal, the woman may also be aware of faeces leaking from her vagina if a fistula or passage has developed between the bowel and the vagina.
Can the damage be repaired?
If the injury to the anal sphincter (or, in the case of a 4th degree tear, to the anal canal) is observed and repaired at the time of the birth, the chances of a full recovery are good. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, between 60% - 80% of women who have a surgical repair of their sphincter injury shortly after the birth are free of symptoms within 12 months.
However, if the tear is not noticed at the time of the birth, or if the severity of the tear is underestimated, an effective repair is less likely.
In these circumstances, the woman may be left with permanent damage to her anal sphincter and a permanent inability to control her bowels.
Medical Negligence
If a severe perineal tear is not diagnosed accurately - or at all - immediately after the birth, leading to a failure to carry out a repair, the woman has received a very poor level of care.
If a severe tear is repaired but there is a failure to address the full extent of the injury, or an inappropriate method of repair is used, leading to on-going symptoms, again the woman has received substandard care.
Contact a solicitor
If you have been the victim of this distressing experience, you may be able to make a claim for compensation for medical negligence. Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience. We are specialists in medical negligence with expertise in supporting highly-successful birth injury claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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