Toxins produced by the Gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum cause transient chemodenervation of mammalian muscle. The toxin binds to specific proteins within cholinergic presynaptic nerve terminals which regulate the release of acetylcholine in the synaptic space resulting is loss of muscle activation and function. Local injections with botulinum toxins are currently used in humans for the treatment of disorders that benefit from prolonged neuromuscular blockade such as strabismus, blepharospasm, focal dystonias, spasticity, tremors, and anal fissures. Injections with botulinum toxin type A into the internal or external anal sphincter cause relaxation of the anal canal and allow healing of chronic anal fissures. Perineal lacerations in mares, which occur during foaling often dehisce after surgical repair due to the high pressure across the incision resulting from accumulation of feces in the rectum. We hypothesized local injections of Clostridium botulinum type B toxin into the external anal sphincter could cause a decrease in anal pressures, thus reducing the incidence of dehiscence if used before surgical repair of perineal laceration in mares. The purpose of this project was to determine the effects of BTB injection in the external anal sphincter in normal horses. Our hypothesis was that local injection of BTB would result in transient reduction of anal tone without causing clinical side effects. Peak and resting anal sphincter pressures of horses were measured with a custom made rectal probe connected to a pressure transducer. Pressures were measured before treatment and after injection with Clostridium botulinum type B toxin (BTB) or saline. Dose titration with 500, 1000, 1500 and 2500 units of BTB was completed. The horses' physical changes, behavior, and anal pressure were recorded. Injection of 1000 units of BTB produced significant reduction in peak anal pressure from days 2 to 84 when compared to control animals (P<0.05). Maximal effect of the toxin was observed within the first 15 days after injections followed by a slow return to baseline over 168 days. Injection in the anal sphincter with 2500 units of BTB in one horse produced signs of depression, generalized weakness, and dysphagia for 14 days. Clinical side effects were not observed in horses after injections with 500, 1000, or 1500 units of BTB. In summary, local injections of botulinum toxin type-B in the external anal sphincter of horses caused transient relaxation of the anus and reduction of peak anal pressures. Systemic side effects were observed in one horse, which suggested a narrow dosage range to avoid toxicity. Further research to test the effects of botulinum toxin in clinical cases is needed to determine the full potential of this treatment modality. / Master of Science

Background: Sphincter injury is serious complication in connection to vaginal childbirth. Desire to avoid vaginal birth again is seen in women who previously suffered from a sphincter injury. Objective: To identify and evaluate obstetric guidelines in Sweden regarding sphincter injury in relation to childbirth Method: Content analysis with a combination of a deductive and inductive approach. Results: The most frequently occurring risk factors and prevention with help of perineal protection were described in the guidelines. The physician made diagnosis and repaired the sphincter injury at the theatre.  Complications such as coital pain and anal incontinence were described in the guidelines. Paracetamol and diclofenac was most common analgesic regimen given for pain. Prophylaxis such as antibiotic treatment and laxative were common. Information given to women was described. Follow-up by physician, midwife and physiotherapist was recommended after four weeks to six months. For future birth a cesarean section was recommended. Conclusion: The guidelines were constructed in the same way and had to a large extent similar content. The authors of the present work recommend a national guideline. / Bakgrund: Sfinkterskada är en allvarlig komplikation i samband med vaginal förlossning. Önskan om att undvika vaginal förlossning igen ses hos kvinnor som tidigare drabbats av sfinkterskada. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att ta reda på om det fanns riktlinjer gällande sfinkterskada i samband med förlossning vid Sveriges förlossningskliniker samt sammanställa och granska innehållet i riktlinjerna. Metod: Innehållsanalys med en kombination av deduktiv och induktiv ansats. Resultat: Av de 39 kliniker som svarade hade 31 riktlinjer gällande sfinkterskada. I riktlinjerna beskrevs vanligast förekommande riskfaktorer samt prevention med hjälp av perinealskydd. Läkaren ställde diagnos och utförde reparation av sfinkterskadan på operationsavdelningen. Komplikationer som samlagssmärta och anal inkontinens fanns beskrivet i riktlinjerna. Paracetamol och diklofenak var den vanligast förekommande smärtlindringen. Profylax som antibiotikabehandling och laxantia gavs av de flesta förlossningskliniker. Information till den nyförlösta kvinnan beskrevs. Uppföljning hos läkare, barnmorska och sjukgymnast rekommenderades efter fyra veckor till sex månader. Vid kommande graviditet och förlossning föredrogs kejsarsnitt. Slutsats: Riktlinjerna var uppbyggda på samma sätt och hade till stor del liknande innehåll. Författarna till föreliggande fördjupningsarbete efterfrågar en nationell riktlinje.

Severe perineal trauma with injury to the anal sphincter at childbirth can have a profound effect on the physical and psychological wellbeing of women. This thesis describes literature examining resulting outcomes including effects on body image. It describes patient-based outcome measures used to capture this information, and evaluation of their psychometric properties. Body Image can be defined as an individual's perceptions and feelings about their own body. There is a growing interest in how this concept can influence quality of life and psychosocial dysfunction in medical disorders. This thesis aimed to examine relationships between severity of perineal trauma, general and genital specific body image and potentially influences such as symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. No patient-reported outcome measure validated for use in women after anal sphincter injury exists and this thesis also aimed to psychometrically evaluate an existing electronic questionnaire, ePAQ (electronic personal assessment questionnaire), for this application. In the thesis, a retrospective review of body image and physical outcomes attending a perineal clinic shows over half of women report perceived changes in body image after anal sphincter injury, with negative effects on self-esteem. A prospective observational cohort study explored genital and general body image in primiparous women grouped according to degree of perineal trauma or caesarean delivery. Women completed the Female Genital Self Image Score, the modified Body Image Score, ePAQ and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale a mean of 15.5 weeks (standard deviation 1.6) after delivery. There were significant differences in genital body image scores between the groups, but not in general body image, with regression analysis showing the greatest influence on genital body image to be the anatomical extent of the trauma. Embedded into this study was the evaluation of reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (face, content and construct) of ePAQ in the group of women with anal sphincter tears. This thesis presents the first research to quantify issues surrounding severe perineal trauma and body image and demonstrates that more severe trauma leads to a poorer genital body image. It also reports psychometric evaluation of ePAQ in women after anal sphincter injury providing the first single instrument with validity and reliability for use in this context.

Introdução: A perda da função esfincteriana anal e a colostomia definitiva são condições socialmente incapacitantes, com grande impacto social e econômico. Não há tratamento satisfatório para estas duas condições e o transplante anorretal surge como uma alternativa para a perda da função ou do esfíncter anal propriamente dito. Objetivo: apresentar modelo experimental de autotransplante anorretal em ratos, avaliar os seus resultados clínicos e funcionais Método: 55 ratos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de estudo: I autotransplante anorretal ortotópico (n=13); II - autotransplante heterotópico (n=14); III - SHAM - ratos submetidos a laparotomia e incisão perianal (n=13); IV - Controle - ratos não operados (n=15). Os animais foram avaliados com parâmetros clínicos e manométricos. Os parâmetros clínicos de avaliação foram: peso, comportamento, aspecto das fezes, aspecto anal e aspecto abdominal. Os dados de avaliação clínica foram protocolados no dia do procedimento (D0), segundo dia pós-operatório (D2), sétimo (D7) e décimo quarto dias (D14). Exceto peso, todos os demais foram avaliados por escores préestabelecidos. A manometria foi usada para determinação das pressões Médias e Máximas, e realizadas no pré-operatório imediato (D0 pré), logo após o procedimento (D0 pós), no D7 e no D14. O grupo II teve avaliação manométrica apenas no D0 pré e D14. As manometrias de ratos normais foram analisadas separadamente, para determinação do perfil funcional anorretal normal. Foram também comparados os grupos I, III e IV em todos os momentos, e os quatro grupos nos momentos D0 pré e D14. Os animais foram sacrificados após 14 dias e o segmento anorretal foi analisado histologicamente. Resultados: ocorreram nove óbitos pós operatórios, 5 no grupo II e 4 no grupo I. Todos os parâmetro clínicos mostraram tendência de piora no pós-operatório precoce nos grupos transplantados. Porém, houve equiparação entre os grupos ao final do estudo. A anatomia patológica demonstrou histologia análoga entre os grupos transplantados e os controles após 14 dias. As manometrias em ratos normais tiveram média de pressões Médias de 33,7 ± 12,6 cmH2O, e de pressões Máximas de 61,2 ± 19 cmH2O. Na comparação entre os grupos I, III e IV, no D0 pós existiu queda significativa das pressões nos grupos I e III, diferentes do IV (p<0,05). No D7 observou-se recuperação de atividade manométrica do grupo I, porém estatisticamente inferior ao grupo Controle. No D14 os grupos foram estatisticamente semelhantes. Na comparação dos quatro grupos houve queda pressórica significativa no grupo II, que diferiu dos grupos controle (p<0,05). O grupo I não diferiu dos controles nem do grupo II no D14. Conclusões: 1. O modelo experimental proposto de autotransplante anorretal ortotópico e heterotópico em ratos é factível. 2. A evolução clínica e funcional do transplante anorretal demonstrou perda da função imediatamente após o transplante, com recuperação ao longo de 14 dias. 3. O transplante heterotópico teve resultados precoces piores que o ortotópico / Introduction: The loss of anal sphincter function and permanent colostomy are disabling conditions with great social and economic impact. There is no satisfactory treatment for either of these conditions and anorectal transplantation offers an alternative to the loss of function or the loss of the anal sphincter itself. Aim: To present an experimental model of anorectal autotransplantation in rats to assess the clinical and functional results. Method: 55 Wistar rats were divided randomly into four study groups: I - orthotopic anorectal autotransplantation (n=13), II - Heterotopic autotransplantation (n=14), III SHAM - Laparotomy and perianal incision (n=13), IV - Control non-operated rats (n=15). The animals were evaluated with clinical and manometric parameters. The clinical parameters of evaluation were: weight, behavior, appearance of stools, appearance of the anus and abdominal distension. Clinical trial data was collected on the day of the procedure (D0) and the second (D2), seventh (D7) and fourteenth (D14) post-operative days. All parameters, except for weight, were evaluated by pre-established scores. Manometry was used to determine the Mean and Maximum pressures, and performed immediately before (D0 pre), immediately after the procedure (D0 post), and on D7 and D14. Group II had manometric evaluation only on D0 pre and D14. The manometries of the non-operated rats were analyzed separately to determine a normal anorectal functional profile. Groups I, III and IV were also compared at all evaluation times and all four groups on D0 pre and D14. The animals were sacrificed after 14 days and the anorectal segment was examined histologically. Results: There were nine post-operative deaths, 5 in group II and 4 in group I. All clinical parameters showed a worsening trend in the early postoperative evaluation in the transplant groups. However, at the end of the study there were no significant differences between the groups. The histology of the transplanted groups and the control groups was similar after 14 days. The manometries in normal rats had an average of 33.7 ±12.6 cmH2O Mean pressure, and average Maximum pressure of 61.2 ±19 cmH2O. In the analysis of groups I, III and IV, a significant drop of pressure in groups I and III occurred at D0 post compared to group IV (p<0.05). Functional recovery of Group I was noted in D7, but statistically lower than the Control group. The three groups were statistically similar at D14. In the comparison of the four groups there was a significant pressure fall in Group II, which differed from the control groups (p<0.05). Group I did not differ from the controls or Group II in D14. Conclusions: 1.The proposed experimental orthotopic and heterotopic anorectal autotransplantation model in rats is feasible. 2. The clinical and functional outcomes demonstrated loss of function immediately after transplantation, with recovery over the course of 14 days. 3. The Heterotopic transplantation had worse early results than the orthotopic method

Introdução: A perda da função esfincteriana anal e a colostomia definitiva são condições socialmente incapacitantes, com grande impacto social e econômico. Não há tratamento satisfatório para estas duas condições e o transplante anorretal surge como uma alternativa para a perda da função ou do esfíncter anal propriamente dito. Objetivo: apresentar modelo experimental de autotransplante anorretal em ratos, avaliar os seus resultados clínicos e funcionais Método: 55 ratos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de estudo: I autotransplante anorretal ortotópico (n=13); II - autotransplante heterotópico (n=14); III - SHAM - ratos submetidos a laparotomia e incisão perianal (n=13); IV - Controle - ratos não operados (n=15). Os animais foram avaliados com parâmetros clínicos e manométricos. Os parâmetros clínicos de avaliação foram: peso, comportamento, aspecto das fezes, aspecto anal e aspecto abdominal. Os dados de avaliação clínica foram protocolados no dia do procedimento (D0), segundo dia pós-operatório (D2), sétimo (D7) e décimo quarto dias (D14). Exceto peso, todos os demais foram avaliados por escores préestabelecidos. A manometria foi usada para determinação das pressões Médias e Máximas, e realizadas no pré-operatório imediato (D0 pré), logo após o procedimento (D0 pós), no D7 e no D14. O grupo II teve avaliação manométrica apenas no D0 pré e D14. As manometrias de ratos normais foram analisadas separadamente, para determinação do perfil funcional anorretal normal. Foram também comparados os grupos I, III e IV em todos os momentos, e os quatro grupos nos momentos D0 pré e D14. Os animais foram sacrificados após 14 dias e o segmento anorretal foi analisado histologicamente. Resultados: ocorreram nove óbitos pós operatórios, 5 no grupo II e 4 no grupo I. Todos os parâmetro clínicos mostraram tendência de piora no pós-operatório precoce nos grupos transplantados. Porém, houve equiparação entre os grupos ao final do estudo. A anatomia patológica demonstrou histologia análoga entre os grupos transplantados e os controles após 14 dias. As manometrias em ratos normais tiveram média de pressões Médias de 33,7 ± 12,6 cmH2O, e de pressões Máximas de 61,2 ± 19 cmH2O. Na comparação entre os grupos I, III e IV, no D0 pós existiu queda significativa das pressões nos grupos I e III, diferentes do IV (p<0,05). No D7 observou-se recuperação de atividade manométrica do grupo I, porém estatisticamente inferior ao grupo Controle. No D14 os grupos foram estatisticamente semelhantes. Na comparação dos quatro grupos houve queda pressórica significativa no grupo II, que diferiu dos grupos controle (p<0,05). O grupo I não diferiu dos controles nem do grupo II no D14. Conclusões: 1. O modelo experimental proposto de autotransplante anorretal ortotópico e heterotópico em ratos é factível. 2. A evolução clínica e funcional do transplante anorretal demonstrou perda da função imediatamente após o transplante, com recuperação ao longo de 14 dias. 3. O transplante heterotópico teve resultados precoces piores que o ortotópico / Introduction: The loss of anal sphincter function and permanent colostomy are disabling conditions with great social and economic impact. There is no satisfactory treatment for either of these conditions and anorectal transplantation offers an alternative to the loss of function or the loss of the anal sphincter itself. Aim: To present an experimental model of anorectal autotransplantation in rats to assess the clinical and functional results. Method: 55 Wistar rats were divided randomly into four study groups: I - orthotopic anorectal autotransplantation (n=13), II - Heterotopic autotransplantation (n=14), III SHAM - Laparotomy and perianal incision (n=13), IV - Control non-operated rats (n=15). The animals were evaluated with clinical and manometric parameters. The clinical parameters of evaluation were: weight, behavior, appearance of stools, appearance of the anus and abdominal distension. Clinical trial data was collected on the day of the procedure (D0) and the second (D2), seventh (D7) and fourteenth (D14) post-operative days. All parameters, except for weight, were evaluated by pre-established scores. Manometry was used to determine the Mean and Maximum pressures, and performed immediately before (D0 pre), immediately after the procedure (D0 post), and on D7 and D14. Group II had manometric evaluation only on D0 pre and D14. The manometries of the non-operated rats were analyzed separately to determine a normal anorectal functional profile. Groups I, III and IV were also compared at all evaluation times and all four groups on D0 pre and D14. The animals were sacrificed after 14 days and the anorectal segment was examined histologically. Results: There were nine post-operative deaths, 5 in group II and 4 in group I. All clinical parameters showed a worsening trend in the early postoperative evaluation in the transplant groups. However, at the end of the study there were no significant differences between the groups. The histology of the transplanted groups and the control groups was similar after 14 days. The manometries in normal rats had an average of 33.7 ±12.6 cmH2O Mean pressure, and average Maximum pressure of 61.2 ±19 cmH2O. In the analysis of groups I, III and IV, a significant drop of pressure in groups I and III occurred at D0 post compared to group IV (p<0.05). Functional recovery of Group I was noted in D7, but statistically lower than the Control group. The three groups were statistically similar at D14. In the comparison of the four groups there was a significant pressure fall in Group II, which differed from the control groups (p<0.05). Group I did not differ from the controls or Group II in D14. Conclusions: 1.The proposed experimental orthotopic and heterotopic anorectal autotransplantation model in rats is feasible. 2. The clinical and functional outcomes demonstrated loss of function immediately after transplantation, with recovery over the course of 14 days. 3. The Heterotopic transplantation had worse early results than the orthotopic method

Introdução: A laceração obstétrica do esfíncter anal (LOEA) está associado com incontinência anal. A episiotomia foi proposta como uma forma de proteção do esfíncter anal no parto, especialmente a episiotomia mediolateral; entretanto, diversos estudos mostraram que o uso de rotina da episiotomia não reduz o risco de LOEA. Objetivo: Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar se a redução na taxa de episiotomia em hospital escola no Brasil foi associada a um aumento na incidência de lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal, além de fatores associados a elas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, realizado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram incluídos todos os partos vaginais de gestações únicas, apresentação cefálica, a partir de 34 semanas de idade gestacional, realizados em 2011-2012 (uso liberal da episiotomia) e 2015-2016 (uso restrito da episiotomia), e comparados em relação a taxa de episiotomia mediolateral e de LOEA. Resultados: foram analisados 4268 partos (2043 no período de 2011-2012, 2225 de 2015-2016), foram analisados 2043 partos. A taxa de episiotomia reduziu de 59.4% para 44.2% (p≤0.0001). No período 2011-2012, ocorreram 10 lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal em 2043 partos (0.48%), enquanto que no período 2015-2016, ocorreram 31 lacerações em 2225 partos (1.39%). Houve interação quando comparado os dois períodos em relação a realização de episiotomia e a ocorrência de LOEA (p≤0.0001). A episiotomia foi fortemente associada a não ocorrência de LOEA em 2011-2012 (59.5%), enquanto que não ter episiotomia foi associado ao grupo com (67.7%) e sem LOEA (55.7%) em 2015-2016. Fatores associados a LOEA foram indução do parto e distócia de ombro. Conclusão: Houve um aumento na taxa de lacerações do esfíncter anal com a diminuição da taxa de episiotomia. A episiotomia de rotina foi prote / Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter tear (OAST) is associated with anal incontinence. Episiotomy was proposed as a form of protection of the anal sphincter at delivery, especially mediolateral episiotomy; however, several studies have shown that routine use of episiotomy does not reduce the risk of OAST. Objective: This study aims to analyse whether the reduction in the rate of episiotomy in a school hospital in Brazil was associated with an increase in the incidence of obstetric lacerations of the anal sphincter, in addition to associated factors. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, conducted at Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We included all vaginal deliveries of single pregnancies, cephalic presentation, from 34 weeks of gestational age, performed in 2011-2012 (liberal episiotomy) and 2015- 2016 (restricted episiotomy), and compared in relation to the rate of mediolateral episiotomy and OAST. Results: 4268 births were analysed (2043 in 2011-2012 and 2225 in 2015-2016). The episiotomy rate decreased from 59.4% to 44.2% (p≤0.0001). In 2011-2012, there were 10 obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in 2043 births (0.48%), while in the period 2015-2016 there were 31 lacerations in 2225 births (1.39%). There was interaction when comparing the two periods in relation to the episiotomy and the occurrence of OAST (p≤0.0001). Episiotomy was strongly related to 2011-2012 group with no OAST (59.5%), while not having an episiotomy was related to both OAST (67.7%) and no OAST (55.7%) group in 2015-2016. Factors associated with OAST were labor induction and shoulder dystocia. Conclusion: There was an increase in the rate of lacerations of the anal sphincter with a decrease in the rate of episiotomy. Routine episiotomy was protective.

Introdução: A laceração obstétrica do esfíncter anal (LOEA) está associado com incontinência anal. A episiotomia foi proposta como uma forma de proteção do esfíncter anal no parto, especialmente a episiotomia mediolateral; entretanto, diversos estudos mostraram que o uso de rotina da episiotomia não reduz o risco de LOEA. Objetivo: Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar se a redução na taxa de episiotomia em hospital escola no Brasil foi associada a um aumento na incidência de lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal, além de fatores associados a elas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, realizado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram incluídos todos os partos vaginais de gestações únicas, apresentação cefálica, a partir de 34 semanas de idade gestacional, realizados em 2011-2012 (uso liberal da episiotomia) e 2015-2016 (uso restrito da episiotomia), e comparados em relação a taxa de episiotomia mediolateral e de LOEA. Resultados: foram analisados 4268 partos (2043 no período de 2011-2012, 2225 de 2015-2016), foram analisados 2043 partos. A taxa de episiotomia reduziu de 59.4% para 44.2% (p≤0.0001). No período 2011-2012, ocorreram 10 lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal em 2043 partos (0.48%), enquanto que no período 2015-2016, ocorreram 31 lacerações em 2225 partos (1.39%). Houve interação quando comparado os dois períodos em relação a realização de episiotomia e a ocorrência de LOEA (p≤0.0001). A episiotomia foi fortemente associada a não ocorrência de LOEA em 2011-2012 (59.5%), enquanto que não ter episiotomia foi associado ao grupo com (67.7%) e sem LOEA (55.7%) em 2015-2016. Fatores associados a LOEA foram indução do parto e distócia de ombro. Conclusão: Houve um aumento na taxa de lacerações do esfíncter anal com a diminuição da taxa de episiotomia. A episiotomia de rotina foi prote / Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter tear (OAST) is associated with anal incontinence. Episiotomy was proposed as a form of protection of the anal sphincter at delivery, especially mediolateral episiotomy; however, several studies have shown that routine use of episiotomy does not reduce the risk of OAST. Objective: This study aims to analyse whether the reduction in the rate of episiotomy in a school hospital in Brazil was associated with an increase in the incidence of obstetric lacerations of the anal sphincter, in addition to associated factors. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, conducted at Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We included all vaginal deliveries of single pregnancies, cephalic presentation, from 34 weeks of gestational age, performed in 2011-2012 (liberal episiotomy) and 2015- 2016 (restricted episiotomy), and compared in relation to the rate of mediolateral episiotomy and OAST. Results: 4268 births were analysed (2043 in 2011-2012 and 2225 in 2015-2016). The episiotomy rate decreased from 59.4% to 44.2% (p≤0.0001). In 2011-2012, there were 10 obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in 2043 births (0.48%), while in the period 2015-2016 there were 31 lacerations in 2225 births (1.39%). There was interaction when comparing the two periods in relation to the episiotomy and the occurrence of OAST (p≤0.0001). Episiotomy was strongly related to 2011-2012 group with no OAST (59.5%), while not having an episiotomy was related to both OAST (67.7%) and no OAST (55.7%) group in 2015-2016. Factors associated with OAST were labor induction and shoulder dystocia. Conclusion: There was an increase in the rate of lacerations of the anal sphincter with a decrease in the rate of episiotomy. Routine episiotomy was protective.

Introdução: A laceração obstétrica do esfíncter anal (LOEA) está associado com incontinência anal. A episiotomia foi proposta como uma forma de proteção do esfíncter anal no parto, especialmente a episiotomia mediolateral; entretanto, diversos estudos mostraram que o uso de rotina da episiotomia não reduz o risco de LOEA. Objetivo: Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar se a redução na taxa de episiotomia em hospital escola no Brasil foi associada a um aumento na incidência de lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal, além de fatores associados a elas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, realizado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram incluídos todos os partos vaginais de gestações únicas, apresentação cefálica, a partir de 34 semanas de idade gestacional, realizados em 2011-2012 (uso liberal da episiotomia) e 2015-2016 (uso restrito da episiotomia), e comparados em relação a taxa de episiotomia mediolateral e de LOEA. Resultados: foram analisados 4268 partos (2043 no período de 2011-2012, 2225 de 2015-2016), foram analisados 2043 partos. A taxa de episiotomia reduziu de 59.4% para 44.2% (p≤0.0001). No período 2011-2012, ocorreram 10 lacerações obstétricas do esfíncter anal em 2043 partos (0.48%), enquanto que no período 2015-2016, ocorreram 31 lacerações em 2225 partos (1.39%). Houve interação quando comparado os dois períodos em relação a realização de episiotomia e a ocorrência de LOEA (p≤0.0001). A episiotomia foi fortemente associada a não ocorrência de LOEA em 2011-2012 (59.5%), enquanto que não ter episiotomia foi associado ao grupo com (67.7%) e sem LOEA (55.7%) em 2015-2016. Fatores associados a LOEA foram indução do parto e distócia de ombro. Conclusão: Houve um aumento na taxa de lacerações do esfíncter anal com a diminuição da taxa de episiotomia. A episiotomia de rotina foi prote / Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter tear (OAST) is associated with anal incontinence. Episiotomy was proposed as a form of protection of the anal sphincter at delivery, especially mediolateral episiotomy; however, several studies have shown that routine use of episiotomy does not reduce the risk of OAST. Objective: This study aims to analyse whether the reduction in the rate of episiotomy in a school hospital in Brazil was associated with an increase in the incidence of obstetric lacerations of the anal sphincter, in addition to associated factors. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, conducted at Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We included all vaginal deliveries of single pregnancies, cephalic presentation, from 34 weeks of gestational age, performed in 2011-2012 (liberal episiotomy) and 2015- 2016 (restricted episiotomy), and compared in relation to the rate of mediolateral episiotomy and OAST. Results: 4268 births were analysed (2043 in 2011-2012 and 2225 in 2015-2016). The episiotomy rate decreased from 59.4% to 44.2% (p≤0.0001). In 2011-2012, there were 10 obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in 2043 births (0.48%), while in the period 2015-2016 there were 31 lacerations in 2225 births (1.39%). There was interaction when comparing the two periods in relation to the episiotomy and the occurrence of OAST (p≤0.0001). Episiotomy was strongly related to 2011-2012 group with no OAST (59.5%), while not having an episiotomy was related to both OAST (67.7%) and no OAST (55.7%) group in 2015-2016. Factors associated with OAST were labor induction and shoulder dystocia. Conclusion: There was an increase in the rate of lacerations of the anal sphincter with a decrease in the rate of episiotomy. Routine episiotomy was protective.

Objective Our aim was to compare two regimens of antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of repair of obstetric anal sphincter injury. Benefit of long regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis in comparison with short regimen of antibiotic administration haven't been till now proven. Material and Methods Women who gave vaginal birth in department of gynaecology and obstetrics of the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Hospital Bulovka from 1.1.2008 to 30.6.2013 and who sustained third - or fourth - degree perineal tears have been enrolled in our trial. All women who fulfilled trial criteria received at the time of repair antibiotic prophylaxis which was cefuroxim (second - generation cephalosporin). This antibiotic has good sensitivity to vaginal gram-positive flora and to rectal gram-negative microorganisms too. Suture technique and following postpartum care have been standardized. All enrolled women were checked 2 weeks and 3 months after delivery. We evaluated subjective and objective parameters of healing of the obstetric perineal injury and 3 months postpartum we looked for symptomps regarding anal incontinence. The Manchester questionnaire was used for evaluation of anal incontince occurance. Results Incidence of third - and fourth - degree perineal tears was 1,4 % during period of our...

Objective Our aim was to compare two regimens of antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of repair of obstetric anal sphincter injury. Benefit of long regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis in comparison with short regimen of antibiotic administration haven't been till now proven. Material and Methods Women who gave vaginal birth in department of gynaecology and obstetrics of the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Hospital Bulovka from 1.1.2008 to 30.6.2013 and who sustained third - or fourth - degree perineal tears have been enrolled in our trial. All women who fulfilled trial criteria received at the time of repair antibiotic prophylaxis which was cefuroxim (second - generation cephalosporin). This antibiotic has good sensitivity to vaginal gram-positive flora and to rectal gram-negative microorganisms too. Suture technique and following postpartum care have been standardized. All enrolled women were checked 2 weeks and 3 months after delivery. We evaluated subjective and objective parameters of healing of the obstetric perineal injury and 3 months postpartum we looked for symptomps regarding anal incontinence. The Manchester questionnaire was used for evaluation of anal incontince occurance. Results Incidence of third - and fourth - degree perineal tears was 1,4 % during period of our...