[Delivery, and anal incontinence later in life]. / Porodní poranení a anální inkontinence v dlouhodobé perspektive.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the mutual relationship between delivery and late anal incontinence. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Pilsen. SUMMARY: Anal incontinence is a symptom often referred to by women between the ages of 40 and 60. However, it seems, that only a small number of such cases might be related to obstetric perineal trauma. According to recent data, elective Caesarean section only plays a small protective role. Its effect is restricted to the first few years after delivery. With time, the function of the anal sphincter gradually deteriorates. Subsequent deliveries might contribute to this functional impairment. The long-term effect of forceps delivery is still not clear. The extent of anal sphincter trauma (particularly the defect of the internal anal sphincter) seems to have an impact on the development of anal incontinence, even years after the event. Overlooking defects of the anal sphincter is a cause of problems long after delivery. Given the unsatisfactory results of secondary overlapping, and also, relatively good preliminary effect of primary repair, careful observence of the recommended steps leading to the correct diagnostics of obstetric perineal trauma is crucial, as is adequate repair.

[Mediolateral episiotomy and anal sphincter trauma]. / Mediolaterální epiziotomie a poranení análního sfinkteru.

OBJECTIVE: A summary of recent knowledge of the correlation between mediolateral episiotomy and anal sphincter injury. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Pilsen. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology of most studies is not well managed. Four problematical points were identified: definition of the mediolateral episiotomy, practical execution of the mediolateral episiotomy, diagnostics of perineal trauma and classification of the perineal trauma. Mediolateral episiotomy is often deficiently defined. Definitions differ depending on individual textbooks or departments. The majority of studies gives no definition and no description of the practical execution of an episiotomy or describes it inadequately. To the current knowledge there is no international consensual definition, which is used universally. Until 2003, there was no study evaluating adequate implementation of the mediolateral episiotomy. It appears that most of executed mediolateral episiotomies are not truly mediolateral. The angle of inclination between 40-60 degrees was suggested. According to the latest study, the lower limit of the mediolateral episiotomy definition (40 degrees) appears to be insufficient. At the present time, the correlation between mediolateral episiotomy and perineal trauma cannot be precisely evaluated. Before analyzing the benefits and risks of mediolateral episiotomy, an international consensus must be found, that would establish an exact definition of mediolateral episiotomy.