Outcomes
Standard obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were recorded at delivery
and the post-partum period. Study visits were planned with the
proctologist and the obstetrician at 6-8 weeks post-partum and 6 months
(up to 24 months). The 6-8 weeks and 6 months follow-up visit included
the Vaizey, Wexner, FSFI, physical and mental SF12 and MUH scores. In
addition, the 6-months visit included an anal ultrasound examination.
The primary outcome was anal incontinence at 6 months after delivery
(M6), as measured by the Vaizey score 18. Secondary
endpoints were anal incontinence (Vaizey score) at 6 to 8 weeks after
delivery (W6-8); post-partum transient anal incontinence (at least 1
stool and/or at least 2 gas leakages after delivery, which has
disappeared at W6-8), maternal morbidities (hemorrhage, uterine rupture,
placenta accreta, hematomas, cervico-vaginal lacerations, hemoperiteum,
organ wounds, anesthesic complications, infections, deep vein
thrombosis), fetal/neonatal morbidities (respiratory distress,
infection, acidosis, trauma, neonatal intensive care), urinary
continence meaured with the Measurement of Urinary Handicap (MUH) score,
quality of life with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF12) score20, women’s sexuality with the Female Sexual Function
Index (FSFI) 21 and worsening of external sphincter
lesions (defined as increase of angulation from baseline of more than 10
degrees) measured 6 months after delivery.