Anal sphincter function after delivery rupture.

Questionnaires were sent to 63 women with anal sphincter rupture that occurred during vaginal delivery two to seven years earlier. Half of them had significant trouble, such as incontinence for gas, dyspareunia, and pain. We performed anal pressure profilometry in 14 of these women and in ten controls for comparison, and found a significant reduced strength in the external anal sphincters of the studied group. When anal sphincter rupture extended through the rectal mucosa, the internal sphincter strength was also reduced. The persisting signs and symptoms of anal dysfunction indicate that women with anal sphincter rupture need more attention and follow-up.