Management of subsequent pregnancies following fourth-degree obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS)

Background. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) arise from perineal trauma during vaginal delivery and are associated with poor maternal health outcomes. Most OASIS occur in unattended deliveries in resource-limited settings. However, even in facilities where deliveries are attended by skilled personnel, a number of women still get OASIS. Objectives. To determine the incidence and risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries among women delivering at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods. We conducted an unmatched hospital-based case control study, with the ratio of cases to controls of 1 : 2 (80 cases and 160 controls). We defined a case as a mother who got a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear after vaginal delivery while the controls recruited were the next two mothers who delivered vaginally without a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear. A questionnaire and participants’ medical records review were used to obtain sociodemographic and clinical data. We estimated the incidence of OASIS and performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify the associated risk factors. Results. The cumulative incidence for OASIS during the study period was 6.6%. The risk factors for OASIS were 2nd stage of labour ≥1 hour (aOR 6.07, 95%CI 1.86–19.82, p=0.003), having episiotomy performed during labour (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.07–6.17, p=0.035), perineum support during delivery (aOR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01–0.12, p<0.001), and monthly income of >50,000 shillings (aOR 0.09, 95%CI 0.03–0.28, p<0.001). Conclusions and Recommendations. The risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury were prolonged second stage of labour and performing episiotomies during deliveries while higher monthly income and perineum support during delivery were protective. We recommend routine support to the perineum during delivery. Care should be taken in mothers with episiotomies, as they can extend and cause OASIS.

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A Simple, Reproducible and Low-cost Simulator for Teaching Surgical Techniques to Repair Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1668527 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (08) ◽

pp. 465-470 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Roxana Knobel ◽

Lia Volpato ◽

Liliam Gervasi ◽

Raquel Viergutz ◽

Alberto Trapani

Keyword(s):

Anal Sphincter ◽

Low Cost ◽

Internal Sphincter ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

External Sphincter ◽

Rectal Mucosa ◽

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries ◽

Fourth Degree ◽

Anatomy And Physiology ◽

Application Techniques

Objective To describe and evaluate the use of a simple, low-cost, and reproducible simulator for teaching the repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Methods Twenty resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology and four obstetricians participated in the simulation. A fourth-degree tear model was created using low-cost materials (condom simulating the rectal mucosa, cotton tissue simulating the internal anal sphincter, and bovine meat simulating the external anal sphincter). The simulator was initially assembled with the aid of anatomical photos to study the anatomy and meaning of each component of the model. The laceration was created and repaired, using end-to-end or overlapping application techniques. Results The model cost less than R$ 10.00 and was assembled without difficulty, which improved the knowledge of the participants of anatomy and physiology. The sutures of the layers (rectal mucosa, internal sphincter, and external sphincter) were performed in keeping with the surgical technique. All participants were satisfied with the simulation and felt it improved their knowledge and skills. Between 3 and 6 months after the training, 7 participants witnessed severe lacerations in their practice and reported that the simulation was useful for surgical correction. Conclusion The use of a simulator for repair training in OASIS is affordable (low-cost and easy to perform). The simulation seems to improve the knowledge and surgical skills necessary to repair severe lacerations. Further systematized studies should be performed for evaluation.

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Evaluation of Suzor forceps training by studying obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a retrospective study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-020-03358-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Perrine COSTE MAZEAU ◽

Nedjma BOUKEFFA ◽

Nathalie TICAUD BOILEAU ◽

Samantha HUET ◽

Maud TRAVERSE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Observational Study ◽

Anal Sphincter ◽

University Hospital ◽

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries ◽

Fourth Degree ◽

Perineal Tears ◽

Vacuum Extractor

Abstract Background Instrumental deliveries are an unavoidable part of obstetric practice. Dedicated training is needed for each instrument. To identify when a trainee resident can be entrusted with instrumental deliveries by Suzor forceps by studying obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Methods A French retrospective observational study of obstetric anal sphincter injuries due to Suzor forceps deliveries performed by trainee residents was conducted from November 2008 to November 2016 at Limoges University Hospital. Perineal lesion risk factors were studied. Sequential use of a vacuum extractor and then forceps was also analyzed. Results Twenty-one residents performed 1530 instrumental deliveries, which included 1164 (76.1%) using forceps and 89 (5.8%) with sequential use of a vacuum extractor and then forceps. Third and fourth degree perineal tears were diagnosed in 82 patients (6.5%). Residents caused fewer obstetric anal sphincter injuries after 23.82 (+/− 0.8) deliveries by forceps (p = 0.0041), or after 2.36 (+/− 0.7) semesters of obstetrical experience (p = 0.0007). No obese patient (body mass index> 30) presented obstetric anal sphincter injuries (p = 0.0013). There were significantly fewer obstetric anal sphincter injuries after performance of episiotomy (p < 0.0001), and more lesions in the case of the occipito-sacral position (p = 0.028). Analysis of sequential instrumentation did not find any additional associated risk. Conclusion Training in the use of Suzor forceps requires extended mentoring in order to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injuries. A stable level of competence was found after the execution of at least 24 forceps deliveries or after 3 semesters (18 months) of obstetrical experience.

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Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries: New Evidence and Perspectives

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10153261 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (15) ◽

pp. 3261

Author(s):

Antonino Spinelli ◽

Virginia Laurenti ◽

Francesco Maria Carrano ◽

Enrique Gonzalez-Díaz ◽

Katarzyna Borycka-Kiciak

Keyword(s):

Early Diagnosis ◽

Anal Sphincter ◽

Clinical Examination ◽

Therapeutic Strategy ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Late Onset ◽

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries ◽

Fourth Degree ◽

Perineal Tears ◽

New Evidence

Perineal injury during childbirth is a common event with important morbidity associated in particular with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears (also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries—OASIS). Early diagnosis of these damages is mandatory to define a prompt therapeutic strategy and thus avoid the development of late-onset consequences, such as faecal incontinence. For this purpose, various diagnostic exams can be performed after a thorough clinical examination. The management of OASIS includes several measures and should be individualized according to the timing and features of the clinical presentation.

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