Long term effect of OASIS on QoL & bowel function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of two prospectively maintained databases & a longer term follow up quesionnaire study to assess the natural history of Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and its long term consequences on quality of life and impact on bowel function.
IRAS ID
142885
Contact name
Sara Webb
Contact email
Research summary
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in 0.6% - 9.0% of vaginal deliveries. The short term morbidity of faecal/flatus urgency and incontinence associated with anal sphincter injury is widely recognised, however, there is little research evidence detailing the longer term impact of an OASIS on both Quality of Life and/or bowel function. This study aims to provide this much needed information.
The postal questionnaire study will be undertaken at a tertiary maternity hospital that performs just under 8,000 deliveries a year and has an existing specialist service that cares for women who have sustained an OASIS both in the postnatal period following the injury in a subsequent pregnancy, during the antenatal period.
The postal questionnaire study will involve all women who have previously been reviewed at the specialist OASIS clinics since 2007. Potential research participants will be sent a validated questionnaire concerning bowel function and its effects on quality of life. The questions asked are similar to those discussed during routine antenatal and postnatal appointments that the women will previously have attended during their previous pregnancies.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0025
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion