Secondary repair of severe chronic fourth-degree perineal tear due to obstetric trauma

Abstract

Obstetric injury is the commonest cause of anal incontinence. We report a case of anal incontinence as a result of severe chronic fourth-degree perineal tear secondary to birthing with complete disruption of the perineum. Secondary repair consisting of an anterior sphincter repair and levatorplasty in a poor resourced area rendered excellent immediate clinical result. The outcome of anterior sphincter repair following obstetric trauma is good but long-term follow-up is required because of the underlying complexity of obstetric injury. As prevention is not always possible, immediate recognition and adequate primary treatment is of importance.