Course information

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 is a perineal tear repair course covering the recognition and management of all degrees of perineal tear, from first- and second-degree tears and episiotomy to 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 works equally as a perineal repair course for midwives, who attend at a reduced fee of £200.

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.

Perineal assessment and repair: what the course covers

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.

Certificate of attendance

There is no course assessment. A certificate of attendance is issued at the end of the course to participants who attend the complete programme, including the practical workshops.

Please make travel arrangements so that you can stay until the end of the programme.

How to book

The course has a maximum of 18 places, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply using the online registration form. The course team will send payment instructions, and your place is confirmed once payment has been received. Submitting an application does not reserve a place.

Yorkshire and Humber Deanery trainees should register through MaxCourse.

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.