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Anal canal pressures are low in women with postpartum anal fissure

1997; Oxford University Press; Volume: 84; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1046/j.1365-2168.1997.02484.x

1365-2168

H. Corby, V. Donnelly, Colm O’Herlihy, P. R. O’Connell,

Hernia repair and management

Background Anal sphincter hypertonia is commonly thought to underlie development of anal fissure, yet anal fissure is particularly common after childbirth, a time when anal canal pressure may be reduced. This paradox was investigated by a prospective study of the effect of parturition on the pelvic floor. Methods Anal manometry was performed 6 weeks before and after delivery in 209 primigravid women with no pre-existing history of anorectal disease. Postpartum studies only were performed on a further 104 primiparae. Anal fissure was diagnosed by history and direct examination. Results Some 29 women (9 per cent) developed postpartum anal fissure. Antepartum anal canal resting and squeeze pressures were similar in women who did and those who did not develop fissure. Resting and squeeze anal canal pressures decreased post partum in both groups. Postpartum constipation was more common in those with fissure (62 per cent) than in those without (29 per cent) (x2 = 10.6, 1 d.f., P<0.01). The mode of delivery or use of epidural analgesia did not affect the incidence of fissure. Conclusion Postpartum anal fissure is associated with reduced anal canal pressures, and surgical interference with the anal sphincter mechanism should be avoided.