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Anal Incontinence from Vacuum-Assisted Deliveries

Anal Incontinence from Vacuum-Assisted Deliveries

Anal Incontinence from Vacuum-Assisted Deliveries is a hard to live with condition.

Rectal (or faecal) incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in leakage of solid or liquid stool or gas. It is caused by damaged sphincter muscles, nerve damage, chronic constipation, or rectal conditions like prolapse.

However, approximately one in five women having a vacuum assisted delivery developed anal incontinence. About one third of them were associated with either a clinically recognised or unrecognised anal sphincter injury.

Thus, the combination of the two provides the most clinically relevant distinction between anal sphincter injury dependent and independent predictors of anal incontinence development.

Whilst vacuum delivery is a significant risk factor for anal incontinence it is often linked to obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), such as 3rd or 4th-degree tears. This causes stool or flatus leakage. Studies show vacuum-assisted delivery can cause more sonographic anal sphincter defects (27.5%–30%) compared to spontaneous delivery.

Treatment includes dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.

 

Call us today

If you’re ready to discuss your situation or have any questions please contact Dr Victoria Handley today. Don’t suffer in silence. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk

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