Management of obstetric anal sphincter injury: a systematic review & national practice survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We aim to establish the evidence base for the recognition and management of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and to compare this with current practice amongst UK obstetricians and coloproctologists.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature and a postal questionnaire survey of consultant obstetricians, trainee obstetricians and consultant coloproctologists was carried out.

Results

We found a wide variation in experience of repairing acute anal sphincter injury. The group with largest experience were consultant obstetricians (46.5% undertaking > or = 5 repairs/year), whilst only 10% of responding colorectal surgeons had similar levels of experience (p < 0.001). There was extensive misunderstanding in terms of the definition of obstetric anal sphinc

SUBMITTER: Fernando RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC116576 | biostudies-literature | 2002 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature