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

Impact on Postpartum Anal Incontinence of an Educational Program for Delivery Room Staff on the Diagnosis and Repair of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult women (≥18 years old)
• who gave birth vaginally at Strasbourg University Hospital in the 3 months prior to and 3 months following the training of delivery room staff at both maternity wards
• Singleton pregnancy
• Live birth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple pregnancy
• Fetal death in utero
• Medical termination of pregnancy
• Delivery by cesarean section.