In a rare and complex case, doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital successfully treated a 33-year-old woman from Bihar who had been living with severe pain and loss of bowel control for five years following a childbirth-related injury. The condition caused significant emotional distress and social isolation, severely affecting her quality of life.
Severe Childbirth Tear Led to Long-Term Complications
As per the press release, the patient sustained a severe perineal tear during the delivery of her second child five years ago. The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, and minor tears during childbirth are relatively common and usually repaired easily. However, in this case, the tear extended from the vaginal lining through the underlying muscles to the rectal muscles and anal lining, creating a single abnormal passage between the vaginal and anal canals.
As a result, the patient developed complete fecal incontinence, losing control over bowel movements and the passage of gas. Consequently, maintaining personal hygiene became extremely difficult, which negatively affected her physical health, emotional well-being, and social confidence.
Although doctors attempted surgical repair immediately after childbirth, the procedure was unsuccessful, and her condition gradually worsened over the years. Since she could not access specialised treatment in her hometown, she eventually sought medical care at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.
Doctors Performed Complex Reconstructive Surgery
After a detailed clinical evaluation and pre-operative investigations, doctors diagnosed a long-standing complete perineal tear measuring approximately 6–7 cm, involving the anal lining and surrounding sphincter muscles.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Anita Soni and Dr. Isha Wadhawan performed a highly complex reconstructive surgery that lasted nearly 1.5 hours.
During the procedure, the surgical team carefully reconstructed the anal lining, sphincter muscles responsible for bowel control, and the supporting tissues between the vagina and anus through a meticulous layer-by-layer repair. Furthermore, the presence of extensive scar tissue from the old injury made the surgery even more challenging. Despite these complexities, the team successfully completed the repair with high precision, ensuring better long-term recovery outcomes.
The patient recovered well after surgery and was discharged in stable condition within two days.
Doctors Highlight Importance of Timely Intervention
Speaking about the case, Dr. Anita Soni, Additional Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “This case highlights the critical importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate management of obstetric injuries. While such severe perineal tears are rare, their long-term impact on a woman’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social confidence can be profound if left unaddressed. Increased awareness, skilled obstetric care during childbirth, and timely intervention are key to preventing and effectively managing such complex conditions.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Isha Wadhawan, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “In long-standing cases like this, surgery becomes more challenging because scar tissue distorts the anatomy. Therefore, meticulous layer-by-layer reconstruction is essential to restore continence and improve quality of life. With the right surgical approach and post-operative care, patients can achieve excellent outcomes even after years of suffering.”
She further added that the patient remains on regular follow-up and has shown excellent recovery. “Her wound is healing well, she is pain-free, has regained good bowel control, and has renewed confidence. She is grateful to the entire medical team for the compassionate care and excellent outcome,” she said.
Hospital Emphasises Awareness and Skilled Care
Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Cases like these underline the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention following childbirth injuries. No woman should have to suffer in silence with such complications. With the right clinical care, even long-standing cases can be successfully treated, and our doctors have demonstrated this through the efficient execution of this complex surgery.”