Severe perineal lacerations after vaginal delivery: are they an anesthesiologist's problem?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perineal tears or lacerations are common occurrences after vaginal delivery. Understanding the degree of severity of these tears and the immediate and long-term complications of severe perineal lacerations can assist anesthesiologists with the management of these patients in the immediate postpartum period.

RECENT FINDINGS: Severe perineal lacerations have a high degree of association with postpartum depression. The presence of neuraxial labor analgesia decreases the odds of severe perineal lacerations.

SUMMARY: Neuraxial labor analgesia does not directly predispose parturients to the development of perineal lacerations, and may even be protective against these injuries.