Manometric evaluation of anal sphincter function after vaginal and cesarean delivery

Objective: To compare anal sphincter function following spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and assess the association of perineal length and sphincter injury with each delivery mode. Method: Perineal length was measured and anal manometric measurements were performed in 120 primigravidas before and after delivery. Results: Mean values for maximum anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower after delivery irrespective of the mode of delivery, but there was a positive correlation between postpartum maximum anal resting pressure and perineal length (r=0.24, P