Postpartum perineal pain and dyspareunia related to each superficial perineal muscle injury: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between superficial perineal muscle trauma and perineal pain and dyspareunia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 405 women with a spontaneous vaginal birth comparing an intact perineum and first-degree perineal trauma group (n = 205) with a second-degree perineal trauma and episiotomy group (n = 200). Perineal pain was measured at 2 days, 10 days, 7 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Dyspareunia was assessed at 7 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. RESULTS: All second-degree perineal traumas and episiotomies involved damage to the bulbospongiosus muscle (BSM), but not always to the superficial transverse perineal muscle (STPM). In case of second-degree trauma or episiotomy, the odds of pain at 10 days and dyspareunia at 6 months postpartum were four- and five-fold greater, respectively, than if the perineum had remained intact or suffered a first-degree perineal trauma [OR 4.4 (95% CI: 2.8-6.9) and OR 5.5 (95% CI: 2.8-10.9), respectively]. When comparing injuries where > 50% BSM ± STPM against those with < 50% BSM torn, pain was significantly higher at 10 days postpartum [OR 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.6], with no difference at 7 weeks, while dyspareunia was significantly higher at 6 months postpartum [OR 3.3 (95% CI: 1.4-7.8)]. There was no difference in perineal pain or dyspareunia when comparing first-degree with < 50% BSM traumas. CONCLUSION: When perineal muscle trauma encompasses > 50% BSM ± STPM, perineal pain and dyspareunia persisted until 10 days and 6 months postpartum, respectively.

Incidence of perineal pain and dyspareunia following spontaneous vaginal birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Perineal pain and dyspareunia are experienced by women undergoing a vaginal birth that can have short and longer term physical and psychological morbidities. This review aimed to determine the incidence of perineal pain and dyspareunia following spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB) with intact perineum, first and second-degree perineal trauma or episiotomy. METHODS: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and MIDIRS (inception - December 2017) were undertaken with selection criteria of any study evaluating the effect of intact perineum, first- or second-degree perineal trauma on perineal pain or dyspareunia in women with SVB. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (8 RCTs and 10 NRSs) were included. Fourteen and 12 studies were undertaken to assess perineal pain and dyspareunia after SVB, respectively. Meta-analysis of 16 studies (3133 women) demonstrated that women at 2 days postpartum experienced nearly the same incidence of perineal pain whether perineal trauma existed or not. At 4-10 days postpartum there was a significant reduction in the incidence of perineal pain for both presence and absence of any perineal trauma. Episiotomy was associated with the highest rate of perineal pain. The incidence of dyspareunia was high at resumption of sexual intercourse following SVB with an intact perineum. At 12 months, women still experienced dyspareunia whether perineal trauma existed or not. CONCLUSIONS: Women experience perineal pain and dyspareunia regardless of the presence or absence of perineal trauma after SVB; nonetheless, the reported incidence is higher if perineal trauma occurred.

Impact of subsequent birth and delivery mode for women with previous OASIS: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are serious complications of vaginal birth. In a pregnancy following OASIS women may be keen to avoid an elective caesarean section, yet cautious about pursuing another vaginal birth that may result in further damage to the pelvic floor and possible long-term anal incontinence. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of subsequent birth and its mode on anal incontinence (AI) and/or quality of life (QoL), for women with previous OASIS. METHODS: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to February 2016 were undertaken with selection criteria of any study evaluating the effect of a subsequent birth on AI and/or QoL in women with previous OASIS. Where possible, data were extracted to populate 2 × 2 tables and allow meta-analysis relating to the impact of subsequent birth on AI and/or QoL. RESULTS: Twenty-seven non-randomised studies were included. Meta-analysis of 14 studies (977 women) did not demonstrate any significant associations between AI in women with previous OASIS and subsequent birth or its mode. Impact on QoL was reported in 12 studies (912 women); however, difference in outcome reporting precluded data meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Comparisons of outcomes and effective synthesis were limited by sample size, quality and heterogeneity of the studies included. Consequently, the optimal mode of delivery for women with previous OASIS is still not known and better data are needed.

Pelvic + Anatomy: A new interactive pelvic anatomy model. Prospective randomized control trial with first-year midwife residents.

Detailed knowledge of female pelvic floor anatomy is essential for midwifery and other professionals in obstetrics. Physical models have shown great potential for teaching anatomy and enhancing surgical skills. In this article, we introduce an innovative physical anatomy model called "Pelvic+" to teach anatomical relationships in the female pelvis. The Pelvic+ model's value was compared to a traditional lecture in 61 first-year midwifery students randomly allocated to either the Pelvic+ (n = 30) or a control group (n = 32). The primary outcome measure was a quiz comprised of 15 multiple choice questions on pelvic anatomy. Participants were assessed at baseline (Pre-Test), upon completion of the intervention (Post-Test1) and 4 months afterward (Post-Test2). Satisfaction with the approach was assessed at Post-Test1. Increase in knowledge was greater and the approach more accepted among resident midwives when Pelvic+ was used instead of standard lectures. Four months after the intervention, the improvement in knowledge was preserved in the Pelvic+ group. This randomized study demonstrates that the Pelvic+ simulator is more effective than classical learning for pelvic anatomy education, and offers a higher level of satisfaction among students during the educational process. Medical students training in obstetrics and gynecology, or any professional who specializes in the female pelvic floor might also benefit from incorporation of the Pelvic+ model into their training program.

Evaluation of midwifery pelvic floor education and Training across the UK and Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate current education and training of student and registered midwives across the UK and Spain; analysing both pelvic floor teaching and practical experience. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was carried out by 711 student and 384 registered midwives across different universities and regions in the UK and Spain. RESULTS: The vast majority (91.5 % n = 382) of UK students complete training without ever cutting or repairing an episiotomy. This compares to 39.4 % (n = 85) of registered midwives who did not cut an episiotomy during training. Only 20 % (n = 9) of Spanish and 10 % (n = 45) of UK registered midwives felt confident undertaking these techniques. In Spain just 15 % (n = 6) of students, compared to 54.8 % (n = 80) of registered midwives had received teaching on longer-term pelvic floor complications. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable deficit in the current training practices for midwives regarding episiotomies. This lack of practice and confidence may be impacting on the increased rates of perineal tears and pelvic dysfunction in post-partum women. Across registered midwives there are gaps in education regarding longer-term pelvic floor complications. Our study was limited by a smaller sample size from Spain compared to the UK. Our results show practical assessment of skills during training is desirable and could improve both the confidence and competence of midwives upon registration.

The incidence of wound infection and dehiscence following childbirth-related perineal trauma: A systematic review of the evidence.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 85% of vaginal births are affected by childbirth related perineal trauma, either spontaneously or as a result of an episiotomy. Perineal infection in the postnatal period is associated with wound dehiscence, granulation tissue formation, dyspareunia and pelvic floor dysfunction. Despite leading to long-term physical and psychological problems, the incidence of infection continues to remain unclear. This review is designed to determine the incidence of childbirth related perineal wound infection and dehiscence. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review to determine the incidence of wound infection and dehiscence associated with childbirth-related perineal trauma. Medline, Embase and Cinahl databases were searched from inception to September 2018 using MeSH, textwords and appropriate word variants to ensure capturing all relevant studies. No restrictions were placed on birth mode, degree of trauma, parity, country or language. RESULTS: 23 studies were included (11 cohort, 2 case control and 10 reporting incidence). Reported incidence of childbirth-related perineal trauma wound infection ranged from 0.1%-23.6% and wound dehiscence from 0.21%-24.6%. Quality assessment of included studies exposed inadequacies in several methodological areas. There was great clinical heterogeneity amongst the studies, particularly regarding perineal wound infection definition and confirmation, making effective synthesis of the data almost impossible. CONCLUSION: Despite the known high occurrence of perineal trauma during childbirth and associated long-term morbidities, this review clearly demonstrates the true incidence of infection remains largely unknown. This can be attributed to multiple factors including lack of high level evidence around understanding 'normal' perineal wound healing, absence of a core outcome set for childbirth-related perineal trauma and that women present to a variety of healthcare settings for treatment. It is vital that a validated childbirth-related perineal trauma diagnostic tool and core outcome set are developed for use in future studies to facilitate improved diagnosis and treatment and reduce long term morbidities of women affected by childbirth-related perineal trauma wound infection and dehiscence.

Cuidado de las lesiones posparto en la consulta perineal / The role of a specialist clinic to care for childbirth related perineal trauma

El objetivo de este artículo fue revisar bibliográficamente los principales problemas que se derivan de las lesiones perineales, así como dar a conocer el trabajo de la matrona en una consulta perineal y el modo en que se está implementando esta consulta en el Hospital General de Granollers. Para cumplir con la primera parte del objetivo, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre las complicaciones derivadas de las lesiones perineales que ocurren durante el parto. Los resultados obtenidos se han estructurado en los siguientes apartados: dolor perineal y dispareunia, infección y dehiscencia, incontinencia urinaria y prolapso genital (lesión del músculo elevador del ano) e incontinencia fecal y de gases (lesión del esfínter anal). En la segunda parte del artículo se explica la experiencia que se realizó en el Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital de Granollers para disminuir la morbilidad posparto derivada de las lesiones perineales. Se implementaron diversas medidas de prevención, y se creó una consulta perineal para dar continuidad a los cuidados especializados para las mujeres que han sufrido alguna complicación perineal tras el parto vaginal. La matrona, integrada en el equipo multidisciplinario especialista en suelo pélvico, es la profesional que realiza este seguimiento y proporciona apoyo a la mujer

The objectives of this paper are twofold. Firstly, to review the morbidity associated with childbirth related perineal trauma (CRPT), and secondly, to outline the role of the Specialist Perineal Midwife and their integral role within a new Midwife-led Perineal Clinic in Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona to care for women and reduce CRPT morbidity. The first part of this paper details the findings from a review of the literature on the CRPT morbidities of perineal pain and dyspareunia; perineal wound infection and breakdown; urinary incontinence and genital prolapse (levator ani muscle injury), and fecal incontinence (anal sphincter injury). The second part of this paper details the actions that have been implemented in the Obstetrics Service of the Hospital General de Granollers in order to reduce postpartum morbidity related to perineal injuries. These include the provision of a specialist perineal midwife who, through a dedicated perineal clinic, provides specialist care for women who suffer CRPT and is a core member of the perineal trauma/OASIS multi-disciplinary team