Introduction: The aim of this study was to systematically review current evidence for the relationship between obstetric anal sphincter injury (ie,
episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations) and anal incontinence in parous women.
Methods: PubMed, Ovid (MEDLINE), Cochrane Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched. Studies
eligible for review assessed the relationship between episiotomy and/or third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration and anal incontinence. Two
reviewers independently searched for studies for review and used the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Quality