Data collection
Demographic, obstetrical and general medical data were extracted from the patient’s medical records. Preoperative examination was performed by a multidisciplinary team of urogynecologists and colorectal surgeons. Most patients had an endoanal ultrasound and a validated St. Marks faecal incontinence questionnaire, as well as Queensland pelvic floor questionnaire at their initial visit.
At the post-operative visit most women had a repeat St Marks score and some women a repeat endoanal ultrasound. Women who did not have sufficient follow up beyond 6 months were contacted via a phone interview which included a St Marks questionnaire. They were also asked if they would recommend the surgery to a friend and if they had any complications following the repair. The data was stored on the password protected and secured online University of Melbourne REDCap Database.