A questionnaire on pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum.
OBJECTIVE
the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries is used in Sweden as a measurement of quality of care and this might influence the reporting. However, the correlation between reported diagnosis of pelvic floor injury at delivery and pelvic floor symptoms a year later is unknown. A questionnaire could identify such symptoms and provide beneficial feedback to obstetrical practices.


METHODS
we made a cross-sectional study by sending out a questionnaire about pelvic floor dysfunction to 599 women depending on reported injury at delivery. The answers provided by the groups were then compared.


RESULTS
the questionnaire identified women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Anal incontinence was most common among women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries but also occurred among women delivered vaginally without known tears.


CONCLUSIONS
we suggest that a questionnaire is used 12-18 months after delivery to establish the short-time outcome in terms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Luthander
Charlotte
C
Södersjukhuset, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sjukhusbacken 10S-11883, Stockholm, Sweden. charlotte.luthander@sodersjukhuset.se
Emilsson
Thomas
T
Ljunggren
Gunnar
G
Hammarström
Margareta
M
D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology
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