The mode of delivery does not influence the occurrence of post-partum perianal disease flares in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION: Perianal disease occurs in up to 34% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. An estimated 25% of women will become pregnant after the initial diagnosis, thus introducing the dilemma of whether mode of delivery affects perianal disease. The aim of our study was to analyze whether a cesarean section (C-section) or vaginal delivery influence perianal involvement. We hypothesized the delivery route would not alter post-partum perianal manifestations in the setting of previously healed perianal disease.

METHODS: All consecutive eligible IBD female patients between 1997 and 2022 who delivered were included. Prior perianal involvement, perianal flare after delivery and delivery method were noted.

RESULTS: We identified 190 patients with IBD who had a total of 322 deliveries; 169 (52%) were vaginal and 153 (48%) were by C-section. Nineteen women (10%) experienced 21/322 (6%) post-partum perianal flares. Independent predictors were previous abdominal surgery for IBD (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1-7.2; p = 0.042), ileocolonic involvement (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-9.4; p = 0.030), previous perianal disease (OR, 22; 95% CI, 7-69; p < 0.001), active perianal disease (OR, 96; 95% CI, 21-446; p < 0.001) and biologic (OR, 4.4; 95% CI,1.4-13.6; p < 0.011) or antibiotic (OR, 19.6; 95% CI, 7-54; p < 0.001) treatment. Negative association was found for vaginal delivery (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.61; p < 0.005). Number of post-partum flares was higher in the C-section group [17 (11%) vs. 4 (2%), p = 0.002].

CONCLUSIONS: Delivery by C-section section was not protective of ongoing perianal disease activity post-delivery, but should be recommended for women with active perianal involvement.