RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Incidence and predictors of anal incontinence after obstetric anal sphincter injury in primiparous women
Richter, H. E., Nager, C. W., Burgio, K. L., Whitworth, R., Weidner, A. C., Schaffer, J., Zyczynski, H. M., Norton, P., Jelovsek, J. E., Meikle, S. F., Spino, C., Gantz, M., Graziano, S., Brubaker, L., & NICHD Pelvic Floor Disorders Netwo (2015). Incidence and predictors of anal incontinence after obstetric anal sphincter injury in primiparous women. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 21(4), 182-189. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000000160
Objective: This study aimed to describe the incidence of fecal incontinence (FI) at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum; anal incontinence (AI) and fecal urgency at 24 weeks; and identify predictors of AI in women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI).
Methods: Primiparous women sustaining OASIs were identified at 8 clinical sites. Third-degree OASIs were characterized using World Health Organization criteria, 3a (50%) tear through the sphincter. Fecal incontinence was defined as leakage of liquid/solid stool and/or mucus in the past month; AI was defined as leakage of liquid/solid stool and/or mucus and/or gas in the past month and was assessed at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Logistic regression identified variables associated with AI.
Results: Three hundred forty-three women participated: 297 subjects sustained a third-degree OASI, 168 type 3a, 98 type 3b and 31 indeterminant; 45 had a fourth-degree OASI. Overall FI incidence at 6, 12, and 24 weeks was 7% [23/326; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4%–10%], 4% (6/145; 95% CI, 2%–9%), and 9% (13/138; 95% CI, 5%–16%), respectively. At 24 weeks, AI incidence was 24% (95% CI, 17%–32%) and fecal urgency 21% (95% CI, 15%–29%). No significant differences in FI and AI rates were noted by third-degree type or between groups with third and fourth OASI. Flatal incontinence was greater in women sustaining a fourth-degree tear (35% vs 16%, P = 0.04). White race (adjusted odds ratio, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.35–16.02) and shorter duration of second stage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47 per 30 minute decrease; 95% CI, 1.12–1.92) were associated with AI at 24 weeks.
Conclusions: Overall 24-week incidence of FI is 9% (95% CI, 5%–16%) and AI is 24% (95% CI, 17%–32%). In women with OASI, white race and shorter second-stage labor were associated with postpartum AI.
