Birth Trauma: Sphincter Injuries

Abstract

Aim: Fecal incontinence is a condition that has social and economic effects and that disrupts the quality of life. A complete definition of fecal incontinence is difficult. However, it can be defined as the failure to control the anal discharge of intestinal content at an appropriate time and place. The diagnosis of fecal incontinence is challenging and complex. One of the most important causes of fecal incontinence is trauma in the perianal region. The most important cause of such trauma is birth trauma. We examined our cases who had sphincter repair due to acute injury in the perianal region during delivery. Method: The data of 10 female patients who were admitted to Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery with perianal injuries between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Data regarding age, severity of injury, first intervention time, repair type, wound problems and post-operative complications were investigated. Long-term results were analyzed. Results: It was observed that 10 female patients underwent emergency surgery due to acute perianal injury. Tenpatients were included in the study and their files were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age of the patients was 24 (range: 19-36) years. Four patients had type 4 injury, two had type 3a injury, one had type 3b injury, and three had type 3c injury. Conclusion: We believe that it is important to perform surgical treatment before tissue edema develops.