Negligent Stitching

While giving birth to her first child, Karen sustained a small perineal tear, which was subsequently sutured by the midwife. Soon after, however, Karen noticed there was a problem with her vaginal area – particularly in that there no longer seemed to be an entry.

In February 2006, Karen gave birth to her first child. As with many first-time mothers, she sustained a first degree perineal tear, as well as a left labial tear. Because this type of tear involves only the vaginal skin and not the underlying muscle, Karen’s injury did not need to be repaired in theatre. Instead, she was sutured in the delivery suite by a midwife, who then performed a vaginal examination which was recorded as satisfactory.

Several weeks later, Karen felt ready to begin having intercourse with her husband once again. However, they found it was impossible as the vaginal opening was significantly reduced in size. Six weeks after the birth, Karen reported this problem to her GP, and she was referred to a specialist.

It was quickly discovered that her labia had sutured together, leaving only a 2cm opening below the clitoris. Karen was told she would need an operation, as the labia were so densely fused they could not be separated digitally. She later underwent surgery to divide her labia, which was done by way of diathermy (a surgical technique which uses the heat of electricity to cut tissue).

Karen was then able to resume her sex life, while her ability to have further children was thankfully not affected. Nevertheless, she felt upset about the standard of care provided by the midwife, whose negligent stitching made an operation to separate her labia necessary.

After discussing her case with Glynns, we helped Karen make a medical negligence claim. We began by reviewing her medical notes, before instructing a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist to prepare a report. He concluded that the stitching to Karen’s perineal tear had been incorrectly managed, but this would not have a long-term affect – for example, she would be able to have sex and give birth vaginally in the future.

Although the NHS Litigation Authority did not admit liability, we settled Karen’s case for £5,000.

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