New data from University of California, Medical Department illuminate research in incontinence.

According to recent research from the United States, " Surgical technique and outcomes report. Summary background data Three to eight per cent of vaginal deliveries are complicated by third- or fourth- degree perineal lacerations, resulting in a cloaca-like deformity in up to 0.3%."

"These three-dimensional defects result in often debilitating incontinence and symptoms similar to a rectovaginal fistula because of the lack of the distal rectovaginal septum. Between 2001 and 2006, 12 women (median age 37, range 20-57) with faecal incontinence and a postobstetric-injury-associated cloaca-like deformity underwent an ano-vaginal and perineal reconstruction with X-flaps and sphincteroplasty without primary faecal diversion. Patients presented 13.0 +/- 2.9 years (range 0.5-29 years) after the obstetric injury. The median Cleveland Clinic Florida faecal incontinence score was 16 (range 12-19). In addition, one patient complained of vaginal discharge, another of dyspareunia. All patients had an open rectovaginal communication with a large anterior sphincter defects (mean 160.2 +/- 22.8 degrees, range 113-180). Resting/squeeze pressures were 28.0 +/- 4.4/63.2 +/- 8.1 mmHg, respectively. Pudendal neuropathy was present in five patients. The median length of hospital stay after surgery was 5.3 +/- 0.7 days. Three patients experienced a postoperative rectovaginal fistula, two of which closed spontaneously, whereas the third required faecal diversion and a bulbocavernosus flap. After surgical follow-up of 9.8.3 +/- 2.8 months and ...