Incidence and risk factors for secondary failure after acute obstetric sphincter injury repair – an audit of 239 women

Abstract

Aim: The rate of secondary failure after obstetric sphincter injury repair is unknown, with the literature reporting rates ranging from 0.1% to 53%. We aimed to perform an audit to identify the rate and risk factors for failure of sphincter repair in a cohort of postpartum women using endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) and manometry, assessing the risk factors and impact of these events. Method: Prospective data were collected within a 2 year period from patients who attended the perineal clinic at Eastern Health. Variables of primary repair and presence of postpartum complications were recorded and subsequently analysed. Results: Of 239 patients with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) included,..