The use of metronidazole in women undergoing obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a systematic review of the literature

Use of antibiotics in women undergoing correction of an obstetric anal sphincter injury: Results from a national Israeli survey

OBJECTIVE

Obstetric anal sphincter injures (OASIS) have long-term implications on women's health. Administration of antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment following OASIS repair is controversial. We conducted a national survey to provide data about practice routines regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment following OASIS repair in Israeli labor and delivery units.

METHODS

A national survey was performed among obstetricians and gynecologists from 24 university-affiliated delivery centers within the jurisdiction of the Israeli Ministry of Health during 2020. Representatives from each center completed the "Google form" electronic survey. For each questionnaire item, the most common answer was chosen to represent the center's answer.

RESULTS

The number of physicians who responded per center varied from 1 to 14 (median, 3.5). Preoperative and postoperative antibiotic treatment was given in 75% and 92% of the centers, respectively. While most centers (58.3%) recommend pelvic floor physical therapy on release, recommendations about functional radiologic tests vary. In all centers, there is a designated clinic for postpartum follow-up of OASIS. Most centers (83%) allow trial of vaginal delivery in the subsequent pregnancy, on an individual basis.

CONCLUSION

Heterogeneity exists in managing OASIS in Israel, particularly regarding administration of antibiotics. Further studies are needed to examine the consequences of different management protocols.

A review of open pelvic fractures with concurrent genitourinary injuries

INTRODUCTION

Open pelvic fractures (OPFs) are uncommon but potentially lethal traumatic injuries. Often caused by high energy blunt trauma, they can cause severe injury to abdominal and pelvic structures. We sought to conduct a review of the literature in order to ascertain the rates of genitourinary injury and vaginal laceration after OPF and the rates of resulting infection and mortality.

METHODS

A review of PubMed was conducted to identify studies reporting the rates of genitourinary injury from OPF. Study characteristics, patient characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The data were pooled, and descriptive statistics were obtained.

RESULTS

Eight studies encompassing 343 patients were included. Average age was 35.1 years (10-85.9), 28% were female, and the average Injury Severity Score was 26.5 (4-75). 95.5% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury. Motor vehicle collision (23.9%), motorcycle accident (19.7%), and pedestrian struck (19.3%) were the most common etiologies. Overall mortality and infection rates were 31.2% and 18.7%, respectively. 19.7% of patients suffered an injury to the genitourinary system, and 32.4% of females sustained a vaginal laceration.

DISCUSSION

OPFs have the potential for extremely high morbidity and mortality. While much research has been done to prevent early mortality from hemorrhage, there is comparatively little research into late mortality stemming from infection and sepsis. Intravenous antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, and local antibiotics usage has been encouraged. In patients with a vaginal laceration, it is important to provide antibiotic coverage for vaginal flora.