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.