Accurate diagnosis and repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries: why and how.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries represent the minority of obstetric lacerations, but can have a significant long-term impact on urinary and fecal continence, as well as pelvic organ support. Accurate diagnosis of lacerations, appropriate repair, and close follow-up are essential to healthy healing and to improve outcomes for women. The infrequency of these injuries has resulted in a lack of familiarity with laceration repair and postpartum care of this population at all levels of practice. As such, continuing education strategies aimed at simulation, increased clinical exposure to anal sphincter injuries, and evidence-based repair techniques are important for mitigating the deficits in the current obstetric environment. Ensuring that patients have access to timely multidisciplinary postpartum care and education on the laceration incurred is essential to promote healthy healing and to optimize pelvic floor outcomes.
['Hickman|Lisa C|LC|', 'Propst|Katie|K|']
D001003:Anal Canal D002983:Clinical Competence D036861:Delivery, Obstetric D004841:Episiotomy D005242:Fecal Incontinence D005260:Female D006801:Humans D022125:Lacerations D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications D009774:Obstetrics D017773:Pelvic Floor D010502:Perineum D011181:Postnatal Care D011247:Pregnancy D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula D000066908:Simulation Training
obstetric anal sphincter injury obstetric laceration Childbirth episiotomy fecal incontinence