UnknownNot Applicable

Prevalence of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury With a Reducing Episiotomy Rate

Hong Kong6,700 participantsStarted 2022-08-11

Plain-language summary

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) is a serious complication of a vaginal delivery. High proportion of women, 40-59%, suffer from faecal incontinence (FI) after this type of injury.1-3 OASIS and FI have a negative impact on women's quality of life.4 The rate of elective caesarean section at second birth was much higher in women with OASIS at first birth compared with women without the injury (adjusted odds ratio 18.3, 95% CI 16.4-20.4).5 Primiparity has an increased risk of OASIS (odds ratio (OR) 2.39-8.34).6,7 Other factors are macrosomia and instrumental vaginal delivery.6,7 The role of episiotomy on OASIS has also been widely studied but there are controversial results. There were around 500-7000 deliveries at Prince of Wales Hospital annually. Among them, 50-55% was nulliparous women. About 65 -70% of women had normal vaginal delivery and another 5-10% had instrumental delivery. There was a change from 'routine episiotomy' to a more restrictive use of episiotomy in normal vaginal delivery during the last 10 years, with a reduction of rate of episiotomy from 90% to about 50% (from Dept.'s internal audit). The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of OASIS in the era of a reduction of episiotomy.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 99 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All deliveries conducted from 2011 to 2021 in Prince of Wales Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Deliveries with Caesarean Section

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (third or fourth degree tear) detected clinically immediately after delivery

Timeframe: Immediately after delivery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05436171

SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-05-31

Contact for this trial

Yan Yan Lau

8525569 9272 yanyanlau@cuhk.edu.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anal Sphincter Injury trials