Impact on Postpartum Anal Incontinence of an Educational Program for Delivery Room Staff

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are a source of significant short-term (pain, bleeding, infection, suture dehiscence), medium-term (anorectovaginal fistulas, sexual dysfunction), and long-term (anal incontinence in 30-60% of cases) morbidity. However, they are underdiagnosed and sometimes poorly repaired due to technical difficulties, the use of inappropriate surgical techniques, or a lack of awareness of their significant long-term morbidity. These diagnostic and therapeutic errors, however, significantly worsen the functional prognosis of patients. This study aims to evaluate the clinical impact of an educational program designed for continuing education in the diagnosis and repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries for staff working in the delivery room.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• St. Mark's score — Up to 18 months
  The St Mark's score is a tool for measuring the severity of fecal incontinence: The score is based on several criteria: Solid leakage: 2 points (1-3 times per month) Liquid leakage: 3 points (once a week) Gas: 1 point (less than once a week) Protection: 1 point (occasionally) Daily life: 2 points (moderate discomfort) Ability to control: 1 point The points for each criterion are added together: * Minimum score = 0 → no incontinence. * Maximum score = 24 → very severe incontinence

Trial sites (1)

More University Hospital, Strasbourg, France trials in France