Manometric evaluation of anal sphincter function after vaginal and cesarean delivery

Abstract Objective To compare anal sphincter function following spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and assess the association of perineal length and sphincter injury with each delivery mode. Method Perineal length was measured and anal manometric measurements were performed in 120 primigravidas before and after delivery. Results Mean values for maximum anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower after delivery irrespective of the mode of delivery, but there was a positive correlation between postpartum maximum anal resting pressure and perineal length ( r = 0.24, P < 0.01). Conclusion Anal sphincter function was disturbed after both vaginal and cesarean delivery, a finding weakened by the fact that almost half of the cesareans were performed for cephalopelvic disproportion identified during labor.