Our clinics and services

Perineal clinic

Locations:

This is a specialised clinic that offers follow-up for women who have had a tear in their anal sphincter (sometimes referred to as the “back passage”) during the birth of their baby. These tears require more special follow-up care, as they can sometimes change the function of the back passage.

Perineal clinic
Mercy Hospital for Women
163 Studley Road
Heidelberg Victoria 3084

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Overview

All new mothers who have babies at the Mercy Hospital for Women (or other hospital in our area) and have experienced a 3rd or 4th degree tear (anal sphincter tear), will be referred to the Perineal Clinic. You will receive an appointment to be seen by our team at six months after the birth.

You will then be offered a number of tests (where indicated) to check on the healing of your injury. The tests can include:

  • the 3D ultrasound we use to determine how well the muscle ring around your back passage has healed
  • an anal manometry test to check your anal sphincter muscles and how well they are working. This involves putting a small balloon, the size of a thermometer, into your back passage. When the balloon is inflated, you are asked to squeeze it or try to push it out. This will help to assess if your muscles are working well.
  • a nerve test to see that the nerves are connected to the muscles and are working well.

These are all important tests, particularly if you plan on having more children. These tests help to plan for the next birth and can all be performed safely during pregnancy without any harm to your baby.

Follow-up care after an anal sphincter tear is extremely important. Often, you will not have any symptoms, however, problems can develop later on and the clinic can assist with preventative measures. Follow-up also allows us to identify any problems early so they can be treated more effectively.

Additional resources

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