Anal sphincter function and integrity after primary repair of third-degree tear: uncontrolled prospective analysis.

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to determine the anatomical integrity and functional effect of a tear to the anal sphincter in women after vaginal delivery.

Methods: A prospective review of third- and fourth-degree vaginal tears over a 3 year period at Lyell McEwin and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals, Adelaide. Obstetric details were obtained from the records.