Long Term Outcomes of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Long Term Anatomical Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
IRAS ID
118218
Contact name
Stergios Doumouchtsis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's, University of London
Research summary
This study is designed as a cohort involving a quantitative questionnaire. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) encompasses urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction. It is commonly associated with maternal birth trauma in the short term. This study aims to investigate the long term implications of such trauma on the pelvic floor and quality of life. This study involves validated questionnaires (Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire short form, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form and Wexner) on PFD. It will be sent to those women who gave birth by vaginal delivery 5-10 years previously. All women having sustained such trauma will be identified through our K2 database and invited to participate.
There is a well documented causal effect of vaginal childbirth and particularly instrumental birth with PFD.
The short term outcomes have been studied however evidence on long term effects is still sparse.
This study aims to investigate multiple aspects of pelvic floor function through validated questionnaires.
Evidence acquired may aid the decision making process for those women with a previous obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in terms of future childbirth, monitoring and assessment of symptoms in the long term as well as treatment and preventive strategies for women with pelvic floor dysfunction secondary to OASIS.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1789
Date of REC Opinion
19 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion