Anal incontinence among women with one versus two complete third-degree perineal lacerations

Objective: To compare the rate of anal incontinence and severe incontinence among women who had 0, 1, and ≥ 2 additional vaginal deliveries after sustaining a third-degree perineal laceration and between subjects with one versus two third-degree tears. Method: A telephone survey was done to assess the anal function of all subjects who sustained a complete third-degree tear as a nullipara. Result: The rate of anal incontinence and severe incontinence was similar among women who had 0, 1, and ≥ 2 additional deliveries (11/65, 11/67, and 12/40, p = 0.179; 2/65, 1/67, and 2/40, p = 0.811) and between women who had one sphincter tear and no additional delivery versus those with two tears and ≥ 2 subsequent deliveries (11/65 and 10/37, p = 0.225. 2/65 and 2/37, p = 0.460). Conclusion: Additional vaginal deliveries and a repeat sphincter tear after the initial third-degree laceration were not associated with a higher rate or severity of anal incontinence.