Risk factors for sonographic internal anal sphincter gaps 6-12 months after delivery complicated by anal sphincter tear

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify risk factors for internal anal sphincter (IAS) gaps on postpartum endoanal ultrasound in women with obstetric anal sphincter tear. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study included 106 women from the Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms Imaging Supplementary Study who had third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration at delivery and endoanal ultrasound 6-12 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and t tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) age was 27.7 (+/- 6.2) years. Seventy-nine women (76%) were white and 22 (21%) black. Thirty-seven (35%) had sonographic IAS gaps. Risk factors for gaps included fourth- vs third-degree perineal laceration (odds ratio [OR] 15.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8, 50) and episiotomy (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 9.1). Black race (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05, 0.96) was protective. CONCLUSION: In women with obstetric anal sphincter repairs, fourth-degree tears and episiotomy are associated with more frequent sonographic IAS gaps.