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Guidelines for the management of third and fourth degree perineal tears after vaginal birth from the Austrian Urogynecology Working Group

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Abstract

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a decision aid for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with major perineal tears and thus minimize the risk of persistent symptoms. In 2007, the “Guideline for the management of third and fourth degree perineal tears after vaginal birth” was established by members of the Austrian Urogynecologic Working Group (AUB). The guideline was updated in 2011, including literature published up to 30 November 2011. The DELPHI method was used to reach consensus. Evidence-based and consensus-based statements were defined for epidemiology, risk factors, classification, diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up of major perineal lacerations at vaginal birth.

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Conflicts of interest

W. Umek: Astellas, Gynecare (Designation 2: paid travel expenses or honoraria).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

    T. Aigmueller, A. Frudinger & K. Tamussino

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    W. Umek & K. Elenskaia

  3. Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

    J. Pfeifer

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Maternal-fetal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    H. Helmer

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria

    H. Huemer

  6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilhelminenspital Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    A. Tammaa

  7. Department of Midwifery, University of Applied Sciences, FH JOANNEUM, Graz, Austria

    M. van der Kleyn

  8. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bezirkskrankenhaus Schwaz, Schwaz, Austria

    D. Koelle

  9. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036, Graz, Austria

    T. Aigmueller

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Austrian Urogynecology Working Group

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Correspondence to T. Aigmueller.

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Aigmueller, T., Umek, W., Elenskaia, K. et al. Guidelines for the management of third and fourth degree perineal tears after vaginal birth from the Austrian Urogynecology Working Group. Int Urogynecol J 24, 553–558 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1982-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1982-x

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