Perineal and Anal Sphincter Wound Healing Complications

Approximately one-quarter of women may experience perineal wound complications such as wound infection and dehiscence following vaginal birth. The perineum is an area of significant moisture and high surface temperature, providing a favourable environment for bacterial growth in the presence of a wound. Wound contamination can also occur from the surrounding skin, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract and/or the external environment leading to infection. Health care professionals should understand the healing progression of perineal wounds and the potential wound healing complications, so women can be assessed and counselled appropriately. Appreciation of the pathophysiology of these complications and associated risk factors will enable preventative strategies to be advised, and measures to be put in place to modify clinical practice. In addition, knowledge of strategies to prevent wound complications and their management options, both conservative and surgical, will improve the quality of postnatal care.