Midwives' approach to the prevention and repair of obstetric perineal trauma in Spain.

AIM: Different clinical practice guidelines include recommendations on how to prevent and repair obstetric perineal trauma, as well as the use of episiotomy. To evaluate the variability in midwives' professional practices for preventing and repairing perineal trauma, as well as the professional factors that may be associated with the restrictive use of episiotomy. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: Three hundred five midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors and distributed across various midwifery scientific societies. The main outcomes measured were the frequencies of adopting specific practices related to perineal injury prevention and repair, episiotomy technique and restrictive episiotomy use (<10%). Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Intrapartum perineal massage was not normally used by 253 (83%) of midwives, and 186 (61%) applied compresses soaked in warm water to the perineum. Regarding episiotomy, there was a great deal of variability, noting that 129 (42.3%) adopted a restrictive use of this procedure, 125 (41%) performed it between 10% and 20%, while 51 midwives (16.7%) performed it in more than 20% of cases. In addition, 165 (54.1%) midwives followed an incision angle of 60º. Concerning tears, 155 (50.8%) usually sutured first-degree tears and 273 (89.5%) always sutured second-degree tears. Midwives attending home births (aOR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.69-15.69), working at a teaching hospital (aOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.39-9.84), and the ones who recently completed their professional training (aOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.46-8.79) were significantly more likely to adopt a restrictive use of episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant variability in Spanish midwives' practices for preventing and repairing perineal tears. Moreover, the restrictive use of episiotomy is associated with midwives attending home births, working in teaching hospitals and having recent professional training. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Obstetric Interventions Among Native and Migrant Women: The (Over)use of Episiotomy in Portugal.

Objective: Episiotomy, defined as the incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth, is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions in the world. We aimed to determine if migrant status is associated with episiotomy, and if individual characteristics mediate this association. Methods: We analyzed data from the Bambino study, a national, prospective cohort of migrant and native women giving birth at a public hospital in mainland Portugal between 2017 and 2019. We included all women with vaginal delivery. The association between migrant status and episiotomy was assessed using multivariable multilevel random-effect logistic regression models. We used path analysis to quantify the direct, indirect and total effects of migrant status on episiotomy. Results: Among 3,583 women with spontaneous delivery, migrant parturients had decreased odds of episiotomy, especially those born in Africa, compared to native Portuguese women. Conversely, with instrumental delivery, migrant women had higher odds of episiotomy. Disparities in episiotomy were largely explained by maternity units' factors, and little by maternal and fetal characteristics. Conclusion: Our results suggest non-medically justified differential episiotomy use during childbirth and highlight the importance of developing evidence-based recommendations for episiotomy use in a country with a high frequency of medical interventions during delivery.

The postnatal effects of perineal trauma on maternal psychological and emotional wellbeing: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the postnatal psychological health and parenting adjustment of primiparous women experiencing perineal trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study assessing body image, perceptions of traumatic birth, psychological distress, perineal pain, impact upon parental tasks and mother-infant bonding at 6-12 weeks (n = 103) and 6-10 months postnatally (n = 91). Primiparous women were recruited following vaginal birth and perineal suturing in a UK-based maternity hospital. al. Comparisons made according to the objective classification of perineal trauma experienced; 1st/2nd degree tear, episiotomy, and Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI). RESULTS: At 6-12 weeks women with an episiotomy reported a more negative perception of their body image than those with OASI. Women with OASI or an episiotomy were more likely to have experienced birth as traumatic, and those with OASI reported more avoidance symptoms of post-traumatic stress and a greater negative impact on parenting tasks. At 6-10 months significantly more avoidance symptoms continued to be reported by those with OASI, whereas those with an episiotomy reported more anxiety related symptoms in general than those with OASI. CONCLUSIONS: OASI, whilst associated with traumatic birth and some early parenting impacts, may not be linked to general negative psychological outcomes when specialist routine follow-up care is provided. Psychological impacts for women with episiotomy may merit further input than currently provided. Consideration should be given with regards to widening the access to postnatal perineal care by extending the criteria for specialist follow up beyond those sustaining OASI.

The Effect of Virtual Glasses Application on Pain and Anxiety During Episiotomy Repair: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the literature, the efficacy of virtual glasses on acute pain and anxiety has been investigated, and no study has been found on its effect on pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair. AIMS: To determine the efficacy of virtual glasses application in pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial design was used. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 120 women who were primiparous and pregnant: 40 in the control group and 80 in the experimental groups (virtual glasses and skin to skin contact). METHODS: Data were collected using Descriptive Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the State Anxiety Inventory. In experimental groups, virtual glasses and skin to skin contact were applied during episio tomy repair by the researcher, and they were not applied to the control group. The VAS and State Anxiety Inventory were used to assess pain and anxiety in all groups before and after application. In the statistical analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 packa ge program was used. In all tests, p < .005 wa s considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Immediately post intervention, the women in the experimental groups had significantly decreased anxiety and pain during episiotomy repair. Comparing three methods, the virtual glasses significantly reduced anxiety and pain after application (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual glasses are more effective than skin to skin contact and control methods in decreasing pain and reducing anxiety during episiotomy repair. Additionally, virtual glasses may reduce the need for pharmacological medication due to this reduction in pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair.

Re-evaluation of modifiable risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury in a real-world setting.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to identify modifiable risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) in primiparous women. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of primiparous women with a singleton vaginal delivery. Main outcome measures were incidence of OASI and odds ratios for possible risk factors: maternal age, body mass index and height, fetal birthweight and head circumference, gestational age, epidural analgesia, mediolateral episiotomy, and instrumental deliveries. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed using forward methods for variable selection. RESULTS: Of 19,786 primiparous women with a singleton vaginal delivery, 369 sustained an OASI (1.9%). Risk factors were identified: vacuum extraction (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.59-2.65, p < 0.001), increased fetal weight (aOR 1.06, 95% CI, 1.02-1.11, p = 0.002, per 100-g increments); head circumference (aOR 1.24, 95% CI, 1.13-1.35, p < 0.001, per 1-cm increments); gestational week (aOR 1.11, 95% CI, 1.02-1.2, p = 0.012, per week). Protective factors: mediolateral episiotomy (aOR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.59-0.94, p = 0.013) particularly in vacuum deliveries (aOR 0.50, 95% CI, 0.29-0.97, p = 0.040); epidural analgesia (aOR 0.64, 95% CI, 0.48-0.84, p = 0.001); maternal height ≥157 cm (aOR 0.97, 95% CI, 0.96-0.98, p = 0.006, risk decreases by 2.6% per 1 cm increase in height). CONCLUSIONS: Mediolateral episiotomy was protective against OASI in both spontaneous and instrumental deliveries of primiparae. Increased fetal weight and large fetal head circumference, particularly in short women, were significant risk factors. These findings support the performance of ultrasound to acquire updated fetal measures before admission to the labor ward.

Use of surgical glue versus suture to repair perineal tears: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical glue has been used in several body tissues, including perineal repair, and can benefit women. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate surgical glue compared to the polyglactin 910 suture in repairing first- and second-degree perineal tears and episiotomy in vaginal births. DESIGN: A parallel randomised controlled open trial. SETTING: Birth centre in Itapecerica da Serra, São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The participants were 140 postpartum women allocated into four groups: two experimental groups repaired with surgical glue (n = 35 women with a first-degree tear; n = 35 women with a second-degree tear or episiotomy); two control groups sutured with thread (n = 35 women with a first-degree tear; n = 35 women with a second-degree tear or episiotomy). The outcomes were perineal pain and the healing process. Data collection was conducted in six stages: (1) up to 2 h after perineal repair; (2) from 12 to 24 h postpartum; (3) from 36 to 48 h; (4) from 10 to 20 days; (5) from 50 to 70 days; and (6) from 6 to 8 months. ANOVA, Student's t, Monte Carlo, x-square and Wald tests were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred forty women participated in the first three stages, 110 in stage 4, 122 in stage 5, and 54 in stage 6. The women treated with surgical glue had less perineal pain (p ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in the healing process, but the CG obtained a better result in the coaptation item (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perineal repair with surgical glue has low pain intensity and results in a healing process similar to suture threads. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (UTN code: U1111-1184-2507; RBR-2q5wy8o); date of registration 01/25/2018; www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2q5wy8/.

The Effectiveness of Mostafa Maged Technique in Closure of the Episiotomy during Vaginal Delivery.

Background: This study is done to assess the effectiveness of Mostafa Maged technique in suturing the episiotomy. Methods: At the time of delivery, this technique will be applied to all women with episiotomy or perineal or vaginal tears. The technique employs absorbable vicryl threads with 75 mm round needles. Mostafa Maged technique includes the continuous suturing of the vaginal epithelium and the muscle layer. Evaluation of the perineal region within the next twenty-four hours prior to discharge searching for (edema-hematoma-septic wound - continence - ecchymosis - dyspareunia). Results: The current study included 50 patients. All patients had an episiotomy during delivery; 25 patients' episiotomies were sutured using Mostafa Maged technique, while the remaining patients' episiotomies were by regular traditional technique. Mostafa Maged technique has demonstrated efficacy in achieving adequate hemostasis and avoiding dead space formation during an episiotomy. It was found that 100 % of patients with Mostafa Maged technique have no dead space, and 95.8% of Mostafa Maged patients do not have vulval edema. The technique of Mostafa Maged has also proven effectiveness in achieving postoperative hemostasis. Unlike patients with regular maneuvers, 83.3% do not have dead space, and 83.3 % do not have vulval edema. Conclusions: Mostafa Maged technique is a simple technique and easy to apply when suturing episiotomy. Mostafa Maged technique is significantly superior to conventional maneuvers in preventing bleeding at the episiotomy site and preventing formation of dead space so achieving good hemostasis; therefore, it is highly recommended. I recommend more studies on efficacy of Mostafa Maged maneuver on large sample of patients.

Benefits of continuous suture of perineal injury in adaptation to motherhood.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the continuous suture technique of the perineal wound on the capacity and functional recovery of women when carrying out their self-care routine, the care of the newborn (NB), breastfeeding (BF) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), both basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental (IADL), during the postpartum period. METHODS: Non-randomised clinical trial with blinding allocation to study groups, carried out at the Arnau de Vilanova tertiary hospital in Lérida. The intervention group received continuous suture for perineal repair and the control group discontinuous suture. The study population was women with eutocic delivery and second-degree perineal tears or episiotomy. Three postpartum assessment were performed (48 h, 7-10 days and one month). RESULTS: 126 women with eutocic delivery and second degree perineal tears or episiotomy participated (n = 126); 64 sutured with continuous technique (intervention group) and 62 with discontinuous technique (control group). At 48 h postpartum, 85% of women from the continuous suture technique group were able to perform their self-care and 46,7% of them had recovered functionally. At 7-10 days, 96,7% of women with continuous suturing had acquired the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living and 60% had recovered functionally compared to 68,3% and 15% respectively of women with discontinuous suturing (p < 0.001). At 7-10 days, 100% of women with continuous suturing achieved functional recovery for newborn care and 80% for breastfeeding and in the control group 81,7% and 30% respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women who undergo the continuous suture technique restore their ability and functional recovery to perform activities of daily living earlier and with less pain than women with discontinuous suturing, adapting more quickly and satisfactorily way to motherhood.

Is there still an indication for episiotomy? Results from a French national database analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the link between mediolateral episiotomy and the occurrence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury (OASIS). METHODS: Data were collected from the national database (PMSI; Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information). Women between 18 and 50 years old, undergoing a vaginal delivery in France in 2018 were included. The main outcome was factors associated with a higher adjusted OASIS rate after a vaginal delivery. RESULTS: Of 623 003 women with a vaginal delivery, 239 949 were primiparous (38.5%), 62 310 experienced mediolateral episiotomy (10.0%) and 7077 had a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear (1.14%). Risk factors for OASIS were primiparity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.97), shoulder dystocia (aOR 2.57), instrumental delivery (aOR 2.81), gestational diabetes (aOR 1.20), and post-term delivery (aOR 1.53). Mediolateral episiotomy increased the occurrence of OASIS for women without an instrumental delivery, either for parous (OR 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.62) or primiparous (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.39) women. In contrast, episiotomy among primiparous women with episiotomy and a vacuum or forceps delivery significantly decreased the risk for OASIS (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.56-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: The practice of routine episiotomy should be discouraged. Selective mediolateral episiotomy should be considered with extreme caution and mainly for primiparous women during instrumental vaginal delivery. Further randomized trial may confirm such results.

Risk of obstetric anal sphincter tear among primiparous women with a history of female genital mutilation, giving birth in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes a range of procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. It is a harmful procedure that violates human rights of girls and women. FGM has been associated with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), among other adverse obstetric complications. However, the obstetric outcomes in high-income countries are not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of OASI among primiparous women, with and without a history of FGM, giving birth in Sweden. METHOD: A population-based cohort-study based on data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register during the period 2014-2018. The study included primiparous women with singleton term pregnancies. We compared the risk, using multivariable logistic regression, of our main outcome OASI between women with a diagnosis of FGM and women without a diagnosis of FGM. Secondary outcomes included episiotomy and instrumental vaginal delivery. RESULT: A total of 239,486 primiparous women with a term singleton pregnancy were identified. We included 1,444 women with a diagnosis of FGM and 186,294 women without a diagnosis of FGM in our analysis. The overall rate of OASI was 3% in our study population. By using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that women with a diagnosis of FGM had a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of OASI (OR 2.69, 95%CI: 2.14-3.37) compared to women without a diagnosis of FGM. We also found an association between FGM and instrumental delivery as well as the use of episiotomy. CONCLUSION: Women with a history of FGM have an almost tripled risk of OASI in comparison with women without FGM, when giving birth in a Swedish setting. Increased knowledge and awareness regarding FGM, and its potential health implications is crucial in order to minimise the risk of OASI among women with FGM giving birth in high-income countries. A limitation in our study is the lack of information about the specific types of FGM.

Perineal stress as a predictor of performing episiotomy in primiparous women: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Episiotomy is a surgical solution to relieve perineal stress, resulting in an easily repairable incision, in comparison to the risks of serious vaginal trauma during delivery. The midwife typically adopts such a clinical decision, on experience and subjective judgment. However, the association between perineal stress and episiotomy is poorly characterized. Our aim was to identify a threshold value for perineal stress leading to episiotomy, which eventually may be employed as a clinical tool for assessing whether an episiotomy is required or not. METHODS: In total, 245 nulliparous women were investigated for perineal stress during non-instrumental vaginal delivery in Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital. During the second stage of labor, a flexible membrane stress sensor was placed between the fetal head and perineal wall above the anal fissure. Once the entire fetal head pressed against the sensor, real-time perineal stress was measured, and the peak value was recorded. Cases were divided into non-episiotomy group (n = 173) and episiotomy group (n = 72). The correlations between perineal stress and episiotomy was assessed through logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, estimated birthweight, duration of second stage of labor, maternal body mass index, and presence of analgesia. Midwives were blinded to all stress measurement values. The predictive value of perineal stress on performing episiotomy was evaluated, together with the ideal cut-off perineal stress value for performing episiotomy. A ROC analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The episiotomy group had significantly higher levels of perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 N versus 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). The episiotomy group was linked to significantly higher perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 VS 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). ROC analysis between perineal stress and episiotomy revealed a high area under the curve (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.86) and a cut-off value for perineal stress of 124.49 N was identified for episiotomy decision. CONCLUSION: The level of perineal stress was an independent predictor of performing episiotomy in nulliparous women during non-instrumental vaginal delivery. Perineal stress exceeding 124.49 N was identified as the cut-off prompting midwives to perform episiotomy.

European guidelines on perinatal care- Peripartum care Episiotomy.

OF RECOMMENDATIONS1. Episiotomy should be performed by indication only, and not routinely (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation). Accepted indications for episiotomy are to shorten the second stage of labor when there is suspected fetal hypoxia (Low quality evidence ++-; Weak recommendation); to prevent obstetric anal sphincter injury in vaginal operative deliveries, or when obstetric sphincter injury occurred in previous deliveries (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation)2. Mediolateral or lateral episiotomy technique should be used (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation). Labor ward staff should be offered regular training in correct episiotomy techniques (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation).3. Pain relief needs to be considered before episiotomy is performed, and epidural analgesia may be insufficient. The perineal skin needs to be tested for pain before an episiotomy is performed, even when an epidural is in place. Local anesthetics or pudendal block need to be considered as isolated or additional pain relief methods (Low quality evidence ++-; Strong recommendation).4. After childbirth the perineum should be carefully inspected, and the anal sphincter palpated to identify possible injury (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation). Primary suturing immediately after childbirth should be offered and a continuous suturing technique should be used when repairing an uncomplicated episiotomy (High quality evidence ++++; Strong recommendation).

Imaging Characteristics of Episiotomy Scars on Translabial Ultrasound: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Episiotomy has been purported to protect the anal sphincter from injury; efficacy is, however, disputed. Correct execution of episiotomy may have substantial implications. We aimed to describe the characteristics of episiotomy scars on translabial ultrasound (TLUS). METHODS: In this retrospective observational study involving women after repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, 76 women with a history of episiotomy were analyzed. Episiotomy scars were assessed on tomographic ultrasound in the transverse plane using volumes acquired on pelvic floor muscle contraction. We measured scar length, depth, and angle relative to a vertical reference line. Episiotomy scars were described as 1) ipsilateral if they started on the same side as the direction of the episiotomy, 2) contralateral if on the opposite side, and 3) mediolateral if the scar began in the midline. RESULTS: The mean scar angle was 50.5° (SD 14°; range 14.4°-79.3°) while mean scar length was 14.2 mm (SD 4.5; range 5.7-27.5 mm) and depth was 8.4 mm (SD 2.8, range 3.1-18.2 mm). Sixteen (21%) scars were located mediolateral while 32 (42%) were ipsilateral. In 28 (37%) women, the starting point of the episiotomy was located contralateral to the direction of the episiotomy. CONCLUSION: In this pilot series, the mean angle of episiotomy scars was within the safe zone of 40° to 60°, however, in one-third of cases the cut may have been initially directed toward the sphincter, not away from it. This observation suggests that not all episiotomies are performed optimally.

A rare case of isolated rectal laceration during parturition: consideration of the controversial role of the episiotomy and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Rectal laceration without sphincter lesion during childbirth is an unusual presentation. Like all the other severe lacerations during parturition, if left undiagnosed and untreated could hesitate in serious short and long term complications. Episiotomy once considered a routine procedure in nulliparous and a safeguard against severe tissue trauma nowadays is undergoing criticism and his effectiveness reconsidered. Currently, a policy of "selective" use of episiotomy is recommended only when an impending risk of lacerations is identified. When, according to this proposal, in the absence of risk factors episiotomy is not performed and complications occur, the medicolegal implication could arise. CASE: A 29-year-old primigravida was admitted with spontaneous onset of labor at 41 weeks after an uncomplicated pregnancy. During the second stage of labor a spurt of siero- hemorrhagic fluid was noted trough the anus. In absence of recognized risk factor episiotomy was not performed. A healthy 3650 grams female was born in a fair condition. Rectal examination immediately after delivery revealed a longitudinal laceration with un undamaged sphincter. The rectal tear was repaired and recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: In our as in the other cases here reviewed a severe laceration occurred unexpectedly and unpreventably in patients where, according to a selective regime, episiotomy was not performed. In this setting, if severe short and long term complications ensued, especially in nulliparous, the decision to withhold episiotomy could be a source of medicolegal issues. Therefore a detailed informed consent is necessary to offer to patients a full disclosure on the role of episiotomy, its recent indications as well as the possible complications stemming from both executing or withholding this procedure.

Episiotomy: history, present and future - a review.

Childbirth has always carried traumatic stress to the woman's body. To deliver with less perineal trauma, obstetricians have used episiotomies. Episiotomy is still a common practice despite the controversy regarding its use. Weighing the risks and benefits, the scientific literature supports its selective use. With the worldwide trend to reduce the rate of episiotomy, several techniques have been proposed to achieve that. However, further research is still needed to prove their efficacy. This review will shed light on the historical background of episiotomy, its different techniques, indications, and the future of its practice.

Episiotomy practice and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at public health facilities in Metema district, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum to hasten the delivery. There is a scarce of information related to episiotomy practice, and its associated factors, in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the level of episiotomy practice and to identify its determinants at public health facilities of Metema district, northwest, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted among 410 delivered mothers from March 1 to April 30, 2020. We recruited study participants using systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for statistical analysis. Stepwise backward elimination was applied for variable selection and model fitness was checked using Hosmer and Lemshows statistics test. Adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to declare the significance of variables. RESULTS: In this study, the magnitude of episiotomy practice was found 44.15% (95% CI 39.32-48.97). Vaginal instrumental delivery (AOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.36-6.78), perineal tear (AOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.68-7.55), age between 25 and 35 (AOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.25), birth spacing less than 2 years (AOR 4.76, 95% CI 2.31-9.83) and use of oxytocin (AOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.19-6.25) were factors significantly associated with episiotomy practice. CONCLUSIONS: Magnitude of episiotomy practice in this study is higher than the recommended value of World Health Organization (WHO). Instrumental delivery, age, oxytocin, birth spacing and perineal tear were significant factors for episiotomy practice. Thus, specific interventions should be designed to reduce the rate of episiotomy practice. Plain English summary The routine use of episiotomy practice is not recommended by WHO. A study that compares routine episiotomy with restrictive episiotomy suggests that the latter is associated with less posterior perineal trauma, less need for suturing, and fewer complications related to healing. In addition, though, the rate of episiotomy has been declined in developed countries, still it remains high in less industrialized countries. The data for this study were taken at public health facilities of Metema district, northwest, Ethiopia. We included a total of 410 delivered mothers. The magnitude of episiotomy practice was found 44%. This result was higher than the recommended value of WHO. The WHO recommends an episiotomy rate of 10% for all normal deliveries. The result of this study showed that episiotomy practice is common among mothers whose age group are 18-24. In addition, mothers whose labor were assisted by instrumental vaginal delivery are more likely to have episiotomy as compared to those delivered by normal vaginal delivery. Laboring mothers who had used oxytocin were about three times more likely to be exposed for episiotomy than laboring mothers who did not use oxytocin drug. Moreover, episiotomy practice was nearly five times more likely among mothers who had birth spacing of 2 years and less as compared to mothers who had birth spacing of more than 2 years.

How can we improve our practices in obstetric anal sphincter injury prevention, diagnosis, and management of symptomatic women?

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is strongly associated with a major negative impact on women's health. Due to the consequences of an undiagnosed and therefore unrepaired OASI, it is essential to prevent or at least diagnose OASI at childbirth. We need to promote training of professionals to improve OASI screening at childbirth. High-risk situations such as operative delivery must be identified and preventive strategies such as the choice of a less traumatic instrument (vacuum) and mediolateral episiotomy should be considered. For a woman with OASI and/or symptoms, postnatal consultation with a specialist on pelvic floor disorders is essential to correctly orient her toward an adequate care pathway and to eventually identify occult or underestimated OASI. More data are required on therapeutic approaches for symptomatic women, primarily including physical therapy, sacral neuromodulation, delayed sphincter repair and palliative devices.

Clinical effects of different anesthesia methods in lateral episiotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical effects of different anesthesia methods in lateral episiotomy. Providing the guidance of choosing the appropriate anesthesia method in clinical operation. METHODS: A total of 300 primiparas with vaginal delivery were enrolled into this study. These primiparas were divided into three groups (n=100, each), according to the different methods of anesthesia: group A (pudendal nerve block anesthesia + stepwise dissection and incisional local anesthesia), group B (bilateral pudendal nerve block anesthesia), and group C (pudendal nerve block anesthesia + local infiltration anesthesia). The pain score of these primiparas at the time of perineal dissection and suturing, as well as suturing time and bleeding volume, were observed and compared among these three groups. RESULTS: In respect of pain scores at the time of suturing in lateral episiotomy, maternal pain score was significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C; and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In respect of the time required for suturing in lateral episiotomy, suturing time was shorter in group A than in groups B and C; and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In respect of the bleeding volume in lateral episiotomy, maternal bleeding volume was lesser in group A than in groups B and C; and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among these three commonly used methods of anesthesia in lateral episiotomy, the pudendal nerve block anesthesia + stepwise dissection and incisional local anesthesia method used in group A had the best analgesic effect, the shortest suturing time, and the lowest wound blood loss. KEY WORDS: Lateral episiotomy, Pudendal nerve block anesthesia, Local anesthesia, Pain score.