The IUGA Obstetric Pelvic Floor & Anal Sphincter Injuries Special Interest Group is seeking volunteers to contribute to the development of a document: International Guidelines on Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIs).
Vaginal childbirth is associated with the development of anal incontinence and OASIs (recognized and missed injuries) are a major contributor. There are no international guidelines regarding the diagnosis, management, prevention, and management of subsequent pregnancy after OASIs. Roper et al performed a comprehensive search and found 13 national guidelines and used the AGREE tool for overall guideline assessment. They concluded:
The wide variation in methodological quality and evidence used for recommendations suggests that there is a need for an agreed international guideline. This will enable healthcare practitioners to follow the same recommendations, with the most recent evidence, and provide evidence-based care to all women globally.
Aim
To produce the first international guideline that would develop recommendations taking into consideration the facilities and resources available globally.
Objective
To minimize the morbidity associated with obstetric pelvic floor and anal sphincter injuries by providing a guideline and signposting to educational resources for both clinicians and patients
Timeline: This project is expected to begin in July 2023 and conclude by September 2024.
Contributor Expectations:
- The manuscript will be developed using a collaborative process that requires regular communication via email, possible conference calls, and completion of assignments.
- Contributors will produce and deliver all completed assignments and required information on or before the agreed deadlines.
- Contributors will disclose all potential conflicts of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy here).
Eligibility
Current IUGA members are eligible to apply.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following to
1. A letter of interest that includes your qualifications and experience related to this topic
2. Your CV (max. 5 pages)
3. Complete the Disclosure Form
Application Deadline:
Applications must be received by 11:59pm CET on Thursday June 8, 2023
Reference
Roper JC, Amber N, Wan OYK, Sultan AH, Thakar R. Review of available national guidelines for obstetric anal sphincter injury. Int Urogynecol J. 2020 Nov;31(11):2247-2259. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04464-5. Epub 2020 Aug 13. PMID: 32789813; PMCID: PMC7561538.