Sheffield Perineal Repair
Course Information

Perineal repair course Sheffield: course overview

The Perineal Repair Course Sheffield is a one-day practical course for doctors and midwives involved in assessing and repairing childbirth-related perineal trauma. The programme combines evidence-based teaching, surgical video demonstrations and supervised practical workshops. It covers the recognition and management of different types of perineal tear, including obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) and third- and fourth-degree tears.

Teaching takes place at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. Places are limited so that participants can engage fully with the practical sessions and receive guidance during the workshops.

Who is the course for?

The course is intended for doctors and midwives who assess women following vaginal birth or may be involved in recognising, classifying and repairing perineal trauma.

It may be particularly useful for:

• Obstetricians and gynaecologists
• Obstetric and gynaecology trainees
• Midwives involved in intrapartum and postnatal care
• Clinicians working in perineal trauma services
• Healthcare professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge of perineal anatomy and repair

Participants should follow their employer’s local policies, supervision requirements and clinical governance arrangements when applying course learning in practice.

What will the course cover?

The programme uses three complementary forms of learning: theoretical teaching, audio-visual demonstrations and practical workshops. Together, these sessions explore the assessment, classification and repair of childbirth-related perineal injuries.

Theoretical teaching

The theoretical sessions cover relevant anatomy, clinical assessment and the principles of perineal repair. Topics include:

• Anatomy of the perineum, pelvic floor and anal canal
• Classification of first-, second-, third- and fourth-degree perineal tears
• Recognition of obstetric anal sphincter injuries
• Available evidence concerning repair techniques and outcomes
• Prevention and risk-reduction considerations
• Management of persistent perineal tears
• Assessment and management of faecal incontinence
• The role of a specialist perineal trauma clinic
• Clinical risk-management and medicolegal considerations

The teaching is designed to connect anatomical knowledge with the clinical assessment and management of perineal trauma. For further evidence-based guidance, see the RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 29 on the management of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.

Surgical video demonstrations

Audio-visual teaching includes demonstrations of anal sphincter anatomy, the perineal body and techniques used in the repair of severe perineal trauma. The videos help participants review important anatomical structures and the sequence of a repair before beginning the practical workshop.

A demonstration of fourth-degree tear repair is included as part of the course programme.

Practical perineal repair workshop

The practical workshop gives participants an opportunity to practise suturing and repair techniques using perineal trainers and an animal-tissue model.

Participants can apply the anatomical and theoretical principles discussed earlier in the day while working through the practical stages of perineal repair. The workshop format is intended to support active learning, discussion and reflection on surgical technique.

Learning objectives

By the end of the Perineal Repair Course Sheffield, participants should have had the opportunity to:

• Review the anatomy of the perineum and anal sphincter complex
• Recognise and classify different degrees of perineal trauma
• Understand the principles involved in assessing suspected OASI
• Review techniques used to repair perineal and anal sphincter injuries
• Practise suturing techniques in a workshop environment
• Consider the management of persistent tears and faecal incontinence
• Understand the role of specialist follow-up and perineal trauma clinics
• Reflect on risk-management and medicolegal aspects of care

Assessment and course certificate

Participants must attend the complete course programme, including the practical workshop and end-of-course assessment, to receive a certificate.

Please make appropriate travel arrangements so that you can remain until all teaching and assessment activities have finished.

Booking the Perineal Repair Course Sheffield

The course has a maximum of 18 places, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please use the online registration page to apply for a place. Yorkshire and Humber Deanery trainees should register through MaxCourse. Other participants should follow the payment instructions provided during registration.

Before booking, you may also wish to review the course programme, faculty information, reading list and Sheffield venue details. If you have questions about eligibility, registration or payment, please contact the course team.