OASI Repair Negligence and Claiming Compensation
A skilled repair of an obstetric anal sphincter injury is essential to avoid a new mother suffering permanent bowel dysfunction.
What constitutes an OASI?
An obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a tear occurring during vaginal childbirth which damages the external and/or internal muscles which control bowel movement.
An OASI is otherwise referred to as a third or fourth degree tear with the extent and severity varying as follows:
- A 3a tear causes damage to less than 50% of the external anal muscle
- A 3b tear affects more than 50% of the external muscle
- A 3c tear affects additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal.
Repairing an Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
The surgical repair of an OASI should take place as promptly as possible after the birth of the baby and requires the skills of an experienced and suitably trained surgeon. The appropriate materials and techniques are needed according to the location of the tear. A substandard repair may allow the repair to break down and the new mother may continue to suffer life-changing bowel dysfunction including incontinence of both wind and faeces.
For an effective repair to take place, it is also necessary for an accurate diagnosis to be made. If the diagnosis is incorrect, the repair may only address a portion of the injury, leaving part of the wound unrepaired.
Accurate diagnosis of an OASI
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination and assessment by a knowledgeable and suitably-trained medical professional. A failure of examination, a failure of diagnosis or a misdiagnosis may all prove life-changing for the woman affected by this appalling maternal birth injury.
A thorough examination would be one which included a digital rectal examination of the new mother to assess the condition of the anal sphincter.
Long-term symptoms of an unrepaired OASI
The long-term impact of an unrepaired anal sphincter injury can be both life-long and life-changing. Women report feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety and uncleanliness, affecting their ability to work, to socialise and to bond with and support their new baby.
In addition to the emotional, physical and practical impact of such a distressing outcome of vaginal childbirth, the woman may also suffer significant loss of income. If this is due to substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking effects of an unrepaired OASI, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation. One of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to talk to you
Contact us today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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