Introduction:

Perineal tear is a complication of labor; perineal tears are continuity solutions that may be accompanied by minor bruises, muscle tears, or major lacerations. Perineal tears are subclassified in first degree tears damage to skin; second degree perineal damage muscles; the third degree is subclassified in (A) that covers damage in less than 50% of the external anal sphincter (EAE), (B) more than 50% of EAE without including the internal one and (C) includes the loss of the internal anal sphincter; and the fourth degree includes the anterior and the damage of rectal mucosa.

Objective:

To identify the demographic, obstetric and neonatal characteristics that are related to perineal tears and to identify the risk factors associated with anal sphincter injury.

Material and methods:

Descriptive, retrospective, and observational study with review of the physical database of patients treated at a private hospital in Mexico City, which looked for severe perineal tear in maternal complications, which were compared with moderate perineal tear.

Conclusions:

No risk factor associated with severe perineal tear was found.