Ayurveda and birthing injuries

[Guest guest]

Dear people!

We would be grateful for your consideration and comment on the following

patient situation.

Kind regards

Prema

 

 

 

 

 

In early August 2008, the patient gave birth by forceps resulting in

a third degree perineal tear. The tear was sutured at the time

but suturing was unsuccessful, resulting in failed union of the

pelvic floor muscles at the perineum and the external anal sphincter.

An ultrasound examination of the rectum found much scar tissue at the

site of the anal sphincter tear, and this is thought to be the cause of

pain and occasional bleeding from the rectum on passing stool. There

is increased urgency to go to the toilet, but no urinary or

fecal incontinence.

 

Since mid-October, the lack of support for the pelvic organs, because of

the torn pelvic floor muscles, has resulted in a rectocele and cystocele,

which cause pain from pressure and irritation which intensifies with

walking, lifting, or prolonged standing, and improves with lying down.

There is no sign of uterine prolapse at this point.

 

Medical practitioners suggest full pelvic floor reconstruction

surgery under a general anasthesia to repair the anal sphincter, torn

perineum, and prolapse. The rectal surgery needs to take place separately

from the vaginal surgery to avoid infection, so the patient would

be undergoing two different surgeries in this plan, unless the

anal surgery proved sufficient and the remainder otherwise healed.

 

More risks are associated with the surgical treatment of the

rectocele and anal sphincter tear. First, the rectocele repair is not

usually permanent, with an expected lifespan of 15-20 years. The mesh

used to support the anal wall creates increased risk of infection or

chronic inflammation. Degradable meshes are made of human tissue from

cadavers, or from animal products, while permanent meshes are made

with polypropylene. Both types have potential hazards and are not

considered to be optimal solutions by the medical establishment. At the

current time, no alternative exists within that establishment.

 

We feel that these sort of injuries must be common experience within the

domain of Ayurvedic treatment and we would invite and appreciate comments

on approach from the Ayurvedic viewpoint. The person concerned is well

versed in Ayurvedic principles