Medical Negligence in Perineal Tear Maternity Care
Accurate and effective maternity care of any perineal damage during vaginal childbirth is essential to the new mother's long term well-being and quality of life. Negligence can cause debilitating symptoms and may justify a claim for compensation.
Perineal and anal damage during childbirth
In the vast majority of cases, any perineal damage which occurs during the vaginal birth of a baby is restricted to the skin and muscle around the vagina and perineum. In around 5% of births, however, the damage also affects the muscles around the anus which control the passing of wind and faeces, known as the anal sphincter.
For any such damage to be identified requires a thorough examination of the new mother's perineum and must include a digital rectal examination to assess the integrity of her anal sphincter and identify any damage.
If an injury is found, it is crucial that it is accurately diagnosed and recorded to ensure that a full repair is carried out by an experienced surgeon.
Diagnosis should be in accordance with the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as follows:
- A 3a tear affects up to 50-% of the external anal muscle
- A 3b tear affects more than 50% of the external muscle
- A 3c tear additionally causes damage to the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear also damages the lining of the anal canal
Negligence and the consequences
Negligence in regard to perineal and anal sphincter care includes the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination
- A failure to identify any damage
- A misdiagnosis of damage such as diagnosing a 3c tear as a 3a tear
- A failure to carry out a full and effective repair
A failure to diagnose and repair such severe damage will leave a woman with debilitating symptoms of wind and faecal incontinence, which can affect many aspects of her life including the ability to work and earn an income. If it is found that this outcome is due to negligence on the part of her medical professionals , it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think that you or a loved one may have been the victim of medical negligence, talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor. They will be able to access your medical records and investigate the quality of your medical care.
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
