Obstetric perineal trauma is a common pathology that complicates up to 90% of vaginal deliveries. The true incidence of injuries (and their severity) is usually underestimated and higher than reported. Obstetric perineal injuries have a serious impact on a woman’s well-being and have medical, emotional, social and psychological aspects. Their negative consequences can persist for many years after childbirth and have a potentially devastating impact on a woman’s quality of life, lead to severe morbidity due to persistent pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary and faecal incontinence, sexual problems, high risk of re-injury during future childbirth, etc. The article presents an overview of existing national guidelines for the prevention and treatment of perineal injuries. The data on the frequency and risk factors of perineal tears are systematized, and a modern classification is presented. Particular attention is paid to obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) for a better understanding of this pathology by partitional doctors. Training and awareness of obstetricians about OASIS should help to identify patients at risk, more accurately diagnose and choose the right tactics. The article also describes the main preventive interventions during pregnancy and childbirth, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Given the high frequency of episiotomy for the prevention of OASIS, the advantages and disadvantages of various options, as well as the correct 45-60˚ technique, are presented. The emphasis is placed on the fact that it is necessary to perform selective episiotomy rather than routine episiotomy in the presence of clear indications according to the national standard. Reducing the frequency of episiotomies should lead to a decreased number of iatrogenic perineal injuries. The general principles of surgical treatment of perineal injuries, various suturing techniques, suture material characteristics, postoperative management of patients and counselling for future births are also presented.The use of these recommendations by obstetricians will be useful for their practice and will help improve the quality of medical care.
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