Almost two thirds of Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons have minimal training in obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) repair, according to a survey.

The Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) poll also shows they are rarely involved in acute management of the condition.

Overall, 61% of the 94 respondents reported rarely or never having exposure to OASIs during their training.

And only eight of the surgeons said they were routinely called in for the primary repair of fourth-degree tears — despite more than 90% believing patients with grade three tears and above should have anal sphincter assessment.