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Table 1 Classification of perineal trauma

From: PErineal Assessment and Repair Longitudinal Study (PEARLS): protocol for a matched pair cluster trial

First degree:

Injury to skin only

Second degree:

Injury to the perineum involving perineal muscles but not involving the anal sphincter

Third degree:

Injury to the perineum involving the anal sphincter complex;

3a < 50% of external anal sphincter (EAS) thickness torn;

3b > 50% of EAS thickness torn;

3c Internal anal sphincter (IAS) torn

Fourth degree:

Injury to perineum involving the anal sphincter complex (EAS and/or IAS) and anal epithelium

  1. RCOG Green Top Guideline 23. Methods and Materials Used in Perineal Repair. Kettle C, O'Brien PMS.