Wound infection and dehiscence are relatively common following surgical repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, a novel systematic review shows.

UK researchers say their findings — which suggest a true incidence rate of up to 16% — could be used to counsel women with severe perineal lacerations who are eligible for primary repair.

“Knowing the true incidence of these complications will encourage clinicians to modify their practice to prevent and will provide further evidence to support postnatal antibiotic administration post OASI [obstetric anal sphincter injury],” they explained.

The team of urogynaecologists from Croydon University Hospital and St George’s University of London analysed data from 10 studies that included nearly 4800 women from high-income countries to determine the incidence of the complications.