References
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries: are defunctioning colostomies required?
Abstract
The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury in the UK is rising. This condition leads to significant morbidity in otherwise healthy women. Significant long-term complications of obstetric anal sphincter injury include anal incontinence, ano-vaginal or recto-vaginal fistula and psychological distress. Current management of third and fourth degree perineal tears post-vaginal birth is primary repair. This article discusses the role of a defunctioning colostomy in women with severe perineal tears in the immediate postnatal period. A defunctioning colostomy is a surgical procedure to open a section of colon (large bowel) onto the abdominal wall; a stoma bag is then worn over this to collect faeces. The rectum and anal canal are not used (defunctioned), while the stoma is in place and the perineum is healing. This article describes the purpose and operative steps of colostomy formation and reviews current published evidence of outcomes in those with colostomy formation for obstetric anal sphincter injury. It also addresses the difference in clinical approach between obstetricians and colorectal surgeons in relation to the management of severe obstetric anal sphincter injury and highlight the need for multidisciplinary input.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are serious complications of vaginal birth. Some of the known risk factors for developing obstetric anal sphincter injuries are nulliparity, increased maternal age at first birth and instrument assisted vaginal birth (Gurol-Urganci et al, 2013). The rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries for primiparous women in the UK has increased from 1.8% to 5.9% between 2000 and 2012 (Gurol-Urganci et al, 2013). The current incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries is 5%, meaning 1 in 20 primiparous women will be affected (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), 2015). The increasing incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries is leading to significant morbidity in otherwise healthy women (Darmody et al, 2020). Darmody et al (2020) commented on the importance of midwifery care, not only in avoiding obstetric anal sphincter injuries and supporting labouring women, but in providing empathetic care to those affected, acknowledging how obstetric anal sphincter injuries can affect daily life.
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