Anal incontinence after obstetrical anal sphincter injury significantly impacts quality of life for women: a cohort study.

purposeTo assess the prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) after obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and its severity, as well as the risk factors for AI and AI episodes ≥ 6 months.

methodsThis prospective and observational monocentric cohort study included all the women who had an OASIS between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2019. Information was collected by using a letter informing for the fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) questionnaire and by a phone interview. The main outcome measure was "1 passed or ongoing episode of AI".

resultsAmong the 227 patients included, 19.8% had ongoing AI, and 35.2% had AI passed or ongoing episodes. A total of 46.7% of women with AI reported a change in their quality of life in all fields of the FIQL. Excluding a history of inflammatory bowel disease, no factor was associated with the incidence of an AI episode. Post-obstetrical AI ≥ 6 months (POAI ≥ 6) represented 63.7% of AI cases. This incontinence began with significant incidence in the immediate postpartum period but increased over time, unlike AI < 6 months, which appeared primarily in the immediate postpartum period. Instrumental birth was a protective factor for POAI ≥ 6 (OR = 0.24; CI 95% [0.08-0.78]; p = 0.016), while an increase in parity and BMI were risk factors for POAI ≥ 6 (OR = 4.21; CI 95% [1.01-17.71]; p = 0.05 and OR = 1.15; CI 95% [1.03-1.30]; p = 0.016, respectively).

conclusionThe prevalence of AI after OASIS is not underestimated. Despite the fact that women do not seek care, the impact of AI on the quality of life is significant. A case of AI that lasts for 6 months after giving birth risks becoming chronic. Therefore, specialist advice should be recommended in this case. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT04940494.