ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the frequency of fecal incontinence and its contributing factors after vaginal childbirth.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from 1st June 2013 to 30th November 2013. 240 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected for this study. Each patient was asked about any episode of involuntary leakage of stool and such complain even for once was regarded as anal incontinence and its contributing factors were questioned.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 26.4±4.3 years. There were 63 (26.3%) primiparous patients and 177(73.7%) patients of parity ranging from two and above. Fecal Incontinence was present in 81(33.7%) patients, among which 39 (48%) were primiparous, 43(53%) had laceration repair and 10 (12.3%) had undergone instrumental delivery.

Conclusion: The risk of fecal incontinence is higher among women after vaginal child birth in parous women. Fecal incontinence was found in 33.7% patients, among which 38 (46.9%) were primiparous, 40 (49.3%) had laceration repair and 10 (12.3%) had undergone instrumental delivery.

Keywords: Fecal incontinence, vaginal childbirth, contributing factors