Fecal incontinence after obstetric anal sphincter injuries

OBJECTIVE: To determine obstetric variables associated with the long-term prevalence of flatal and/or fecal incontinence among women who sustained obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). METHODS: In a retrospective study of women who gave birth between January 1974 and December 1983 at the University Women's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany, women with OASIS (n=460) were identified on the basis of chart review. Eligible women were recruited to participate in a telephone interview regarding symptoms and their retrospective preference about elective cesarean delivery. RESULTS: The records of 20 999 deliveries, including all modes of delivery, within the 10-year study period were reviewed, and 99 women who sustained OASIS agreed to participate. The mean follow-up was 27.5±2.4 years. Among the participants, 39.4% reported fecal or flatal incontinence. Operative vaginal delivery (forceps and/or vacuum) was significantly associated with fecal but not flatal incontinence (odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-9.56, P=0.026). Only 9% of women with flatal incontinence and 13% of women with fecal incontinence would have opted retrospectively for cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Operative vaginal delivery was significantly associated with fecal but not flatal incontinence. No other obstetric variables tested were associated with the long-term prevalence of fecal or flatal incontinence.