TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Episiotomy and Obstetric Anal Sphincter Lacerations A1 - Yeomans, Edward R. A1 - Hoffman, Barbara L. A1 - Gilstrap III, Larry C. A1 - Cunningham, F. Gary PY - 2017 T2 - Cunningham and Gilstrap's Operative Obstetrics, 3e AB - Injury to the perineum during vaginal childbirth affects millions of women. One half to three quarters of parturients undergo some degree of perineal laceration during vaginal childbirth. However, rates vary considerably by locale and provider (Low, 2000; Webb, 2002). Some lacerations occur spontaneously during delivery. Or, an obstetric provider may cut an episiotomy to increase the vaginal outlet size to aid the birth. Either may result in both short- and long-term symptoms and complications. Initially, most women experience at least temporary discomfort or pain after perineal lacerations, and one in five will report long-term issues, such as dyspareunia (Glazener, 1995). Additional complications include physical, psychologic, and social problems, which all may affect a woman's ability to care for her newborn and family (Sleep, 1991). The most severe perineal lacerations involve the anal sphincter, and these are termed obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs). These tears and their consequences are described in detail throughout this chapter. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - obgyn.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1138214440 ER -