ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To create a sensorised surgical glove that can accurately identify obstetric anal sphincter injury to facilitate timely repair, reduce complications and aid training. DESIGN: Proof-of-concept. SETTING: Laboratory. SAMPLE: Pig models. METHODS: Flexible triboelectric pressure/force sensors were mounted onto the fingertips of a routine surgical glove. The sensors produce a current when rubbed on materials of different characteristics which can be analysed. A per rectum examination was performed on the intact sphincter of pig cadavers, analogous to routine examination for obstetric anal sphincter injuries postpartum. An anal sphincter defect was created by cutting through the vaginal mucosa and into the external anal sphincter using a scalpel. The sphincter was then re-examined. Data and signals were interpreted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of the glove in detecting anal sphincter injury. RESULTS: In all, 200 examinations were performed. The sensors detected anal sphincter injuries in a pig model with sensitivities between 98% and 100% and a specificity of 100%. The current produced when examining an intact sphincter and sphincter with a defect was significantly different (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, the sensorised glove accurately detected anal sphincter injury in a pig model. Future plans include its clinical translation, starting with an in-human study on postpartum women, to determine whether it can accurately detect different types of obstetric anal sphincter injury in vivo.