Abstract
A study was conducted to describe the rate of obstetrical anal sphincter laceration in a large cohort of women and to identify the characteristics associated with this complication. Data from all vaginal deliveries occurring between January 1996 and December 2004 at one institution were used to compare women with and without anal sphincter lacerations. Among 16,667 vaginal deliveries, 1,703 (10.2%) anal sphincter lacerations occurred. Regression models suggested that episiotomy (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.16, 1.58), vacuum delivery (OR 3.19; 95% CI 2.69, 3.79), and forceps delivery (OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.94, 4.02) were each associated with the increased risk of anal sphincter laceration. Year of delivery was associated with a decreased risk of anal sphincter laceration (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.92, 0.96) with the rate of laceration decreasing from 11.2% to 7.9% during the study period. Episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery are significant, modifiable risk factors. Changes in obstetric practice may have contributed to the dramatic reduction in anal sphincter laceration during the study period.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
