Authors: Andrea Wang Marsha Guess Kathleen Connell Kenneth Powers George Lazarou Magdy Mikhail
Publish Date: 2005/06/23
Volume: 17, Issue: 3, Pages: 253-260
Abstract
Anal incontinence AI is a significant problem that causes social and hygienic inconvenience The true prevalence of AI is difficult to estimate due to inconsistencies in research methods but larger studies suggest a rate of 2–6 for incontinence to stool There is a significant association between sonographically detected anal sphincter defects and symptoms of AI The intrapartum factors most consistently associated with a higher risk of AI include forceps delivery third or fourth degree tears and length of the second stage of labor Fetal weight of 4000 g is also associated with AI Repair of the sphincter can be performed in either an overlapping or an endtoend fashion with similar results for both methods The role of cesarean delivery for the prevention of AI remains unclear and further study should be devoted to this question
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