A Case of Severe Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries Repaired by Early Secondary Sphincteroplasty

A 29-year-old woman, who underwent primary repair of the anal sphincter for perineal laceration 4 days after delivering her first child, developed fecal incontinence. A physical examination revealed a gross anorectal and vaginal deformity, which led to a diagnosis of anal sphincter failure associated with wound dehiscence. Early secondary sphincteroplasty was performed on the 8th day after delivery. Postoperatively, there was marked improvement in her fecal incontinence score, and she was discharged from the hospital without wound infection or complications. Early sphincter repair for anal sphincter injury during childbirth can restore anal function without temporary stoma, and may be useful in improving the patient's quality of life.