Was My 3rd Degree Tear Repair Substandard?
A 3rd degree tear has to be diagnosed and repaired within 24 hours after the birth. This repair also has to be of a good standard or the injury will continue to cause problems.
If you believe your 3rd degree tear was poorly repaired and this has caused you unnecessary complications, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in medical negligence claims and have extensive experience in perineal tear cases, including those involving a substandard repair.
What would amount to a substandard repair?
Any perineal tear should be diagnosed and repaired shortly after the baby is born. More severe tears – which mean 3rd or 4th degree tears – will need to be repaired in theatre by an experienced surgeon.
The repair needs to be 'acceptable' at the very least. This means that a reasonable body of gynaecologists would consider the repair to be competent. If a repair fails to meet this benchmark, the surgeon has breach their duty of care towards a patient and the repair will be deemed substandard.
A substandard repair might include:
- Using the wrong repair technique – e.g. using the overlap method rather than an end-to-end repair
- Failing to suture the full length of the tear, leaving a gap in the perineum or anal sphincter
- Failing to perform a rectal examination before and after birth to ensure the full length of the tear has been repaired
- Failing to administer IV antibiotics before or during the repair to prevent the tear from becoming infected
- Allowing an inexperienced surgeon to perform the repair
What injuries can a substandard repair cause?
If a 3rd or 4th degree tear is poorly repaired, it cause problems such as:
- Faecal urgency and incontinence
- The inability to control wind
- A fistula (hole) between the rectum and vagina
- Repeat infections
- The need for a colostomy
- Ongoing pain and discomfort, particularly when walking/standing/sitting for long periods of time
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Psychological damage
A perineal tear is best repaired shortly after the birth. If there is a delay, the tissues will be harder to repair and the complications listed above could be permanent.
Has this happened to you?
If you have been told that your perineal tear was poorly repaired and you are now suffering long-term complications, you could be entitled to pursue a claim. A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence will be able to tell you more.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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