Puerperal complications of episiotomies at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
East Afr Med J
; 80(7): 351-6, 2003 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16167749
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
To establish the epidemiological variables associated with episiotomies and their puerperal complications at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, in order to institute appropriate management including preventive measures.DESIGN:
A prospective cohort study.SETTING:
Ahmadu cello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.METHODS:
A cohort of all consecutive patients that underwent vaginal deliveries during a 12-week period were followed up for six weeks in order to determine the distribution and determinants of episiotomy and its complications.RESULTS:
The episiotomy rate was 35.6% of all vaginal deliveries. Episiotomies were significantly associated with primigravidity being performed in 88.5% of all primigravidae. The mean delivery-repair interval was 60.5 minutes. The most common puerperal complication of episiotomies was perineal pain that lasted an average of 5.5 days. Other complications included asymmetry (32.9%), infection (23.7%), partial dehiscence (14.5%), skin tags (7.9%), haemorrhage (5.3%) and extension of the incision (1.3%). The complications were not significantly associated with any potential risk factor.CONCLUSION:
In view of the very high episiotomy rate among primigravidae, it is recommended that the episiotomy rate among primigravidae be reduced by re-acquainting accoucheurs with the indications for episiotomy. Attention needs to be given to adequate pain relief for all women who have had an episiotomy and the delivery-repair interval in this unit should be reduced by provision of materials for episiotomy repair in the delivery suite.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos Puerperais
/
Episiotomia
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2003
Tipo de documento:
Article