Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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This study aimed to determine the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter tears and to determine the risk factors and outcome after primary repair. This was an audit of third- and fourth-degree tears in 1997-99, occurring in a tertiary obstetric unit with 5000 deliveries per annum. The study involved 75 women with a third-degree tear occurring between 1997 and 1999. ⋯ The incidence of obstetric sphincter injury was similar to reports in the literature. Forceps and episiotomy were significant risk factors. Obstetric sphincter injury is associated with significant morbidity as 44% of our patients were symptomatic after repair.