Evaluation of perineal wound healing and pain outcomes after low-angle mediolateral episiotomy in women undergoing vaginal childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The efficacy of episiotomy, particularly the angle of incision in mediolateral episiotomies, remains a significant area of inquiry in obstetrics. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of low-angle mediolateral episiotomy on perineal wound healing and pain outcomes in women undergoing vaginal childbirth. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using the PICO framework. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving low-angle mediolateral episiotomies. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across major electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Data extraction and quality assessments were meticulously carried out by independent reviewers, employing the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. A total of 1246 articles were initially identified, with 8 articles meeting the strict inclusion criteria for the final analysis. The meta-analysis revealed significant heterogeneity among studies regarding postoperative pain (p < 0.0001, I2 = 77.5%), and employed a random-effects model. Results showed that low-angle episiotomies significantly reduced postoperative pain (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17-0.42, p < 0.001), and increased first-degree healing rates (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 2.20-3.96, p < 0.001) compared to traditional angles. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected. The analysis suggests that low-angle episiotomies can potentially reduce postoperative perineal pain and enhance wound healing. However, the limited number and varying quality of the included studies warrant cautious interpretation of these results. Further well-designed studies are needed to corroborate these findings and guide clinical practice.

Soft-tissue reconstruction with pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumor.

BACKGROUND: The large soft-tissue defect after total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumor induces high incidence of wound complications. It remains a huge challenge to reconstruct the soft-tissue defect and achieve the preferred clinical outcome. METHODS: A total of 27 patients undergoing one-stage total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumors between 2016 and 2021 in a tertiary university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Participants were divided into two groups. Thirteen patients underwent a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction, whereas 14 patients underwent a conventional wound closure. Patient's clinical characteristics, surgical duration, postoperative complications, and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients in VRAM and non-VRAM groups were similar in baseline characteristics. The mean tumor size was 12.85 cm (range: 10-17 cm) in VRAM group and 11.79 cm (range: 10-14.5 cm) in non-VRAM group (P = 0.139). The most common giant sacral tumor is chordoma. Patients in VRAM group had a shorter length of drainage (9.85 vs 17.14 days), postoperative time in bed (5.54 vs 17.14 days), and total length of stay (19.46 vs 33.36 days) compared with patients in non-VRAM group. Patients in the VRAM group had less wound infection and debridement than patients in non-VRAM group (15.4% vs 57.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the advantages of pedicled VRAM flap reconstruction of large soft-tissue defects after high or total sacrectomy using the anterior-posterior approach. This choice of reconstruction is better than direct wound closure in terms of wound infection, length of drainage, and total length of stay.

Long-term outcomes analysis of flap-based perineal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: High-risk patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection and pelvic exenteration may benefit from immediate flap reconstruction. However, there is currently no consensus on the ideal flap choice or patient for whom this is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of using pedicled gracilis flaps for pelvic reconstruction and to analyze predictors of postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a single reconstructive surgeon's cases between January 2012 and June 2021 identifying patients who underwent perineal reconstruction secondary to oncologic resection. Preoperative and outcome variables were collected and analyzed to determine the risk of developing minor and major wound complications. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included in the study with most patients (n = 88) undergoing unilateral gracilis flap reconstruction after oncologic resection. The mean follow-up period was 75 months. Of 101 patients, 8 (7.9%) developed early major complications, and an additional 13 (12.9%) developed late major complications. Minor complications developed in 33 patients (32.7%) with most cases being minor wound breakdown requiring local wound care. Most patients (n = 92, 91.1%) did not develop donor site complications. Anal cancer was significantly associated with early major complications, whereas younger age and elevated body mass index were significant predictors of developing minor wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on our previous work that demonstrated the long-term success rate of gracilis flap reconstruction after large pelvic oncologic resections. A few patients developed donor site complications, and perineal complications were usually easily managed with local wound care, thus making the gracilis flap an attractive alternative to abdominal-based flaps.

Median and medial umbilical ligament repositioning for prevention of pelviperineal complications following abdominoperineal resection-a case series and novel technique.

INTRODUCTION: Pelviperineal complications after abdominoperineal resections are tough to treat. None of the available prophylactic methods has proven efficacy besides being technically challenging and expensive to perform. The present study aims to describe the technical details and short-term outcomes using mobilised umbilical ligaments to cover the pelvic inlet. TECHNIQUE: After completing the rectal resection, the bladder with umbilical ligaments is mobilised anteriorly into the space of Retzius until the free edge can reach the sacral midline. Hitching stitches are taken to fix the umbilical ligaments into the new position. Seven consecutive patients had the umbilical ligament flap used for pelvic inlet closure. RESULTS: Cross-sectional imaging on day 30 demonstrated the viable flap in all patients, and the small bowel descent was prevented. None of the seven patients had small bowel obstruction till day 90 after the operation. No patient required re-catheterisation, experienced major complications or wound infections that would necessitate re-intervention. CONCLUSION: Using mobilised umbilical ligaments hitched to the pelvic inlet is a technically safe and feasible procedure to prevent pelviperineal complications after APR.

Ventral mesh rectopexy. Does a descending perineum impact functional results and quality of life?

PURPOSE: The impact of perineal descent (PD) on functional outcome and quality of life after ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of PD on the functional outcome and quality of life (QOL) after VMR. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on fifty-five patients who underwent robotic VMR between 2018 and 2021. Pre and postoperative data along with radiological studies were gathered from a prospectively maintained database. The Cleveland Clinic Constipation score (CCCS), the Rome IV criteria and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), were used to measure functional results and QOL. RESULTS: All 55 patients (mean age 57.8 years) were female. Most patients had radiological findings of severe PD (n = 31) as opposed to mild/moderate PD (n = 24). CCCS significantly improved at 3 months and 1 year post-VMR (mean difference = -4.4 and -5.4 respectively, p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups. The percentage of functional constipation Rome IV criteria only showed an improved outcome at 3 months for severe PD and at 1 year for mild/moderate PD (difference = -58.1% and -54.2% respectively, p < 0.05). Only the SF-36 subscale bodily pain significantly improved in the mild/moderate PD group (mean difference = 16.7, p = 0.002) 3 months post-VMR which subsided after one year (mean difference = 5.5, p = 0.068). CONCLUSION: Severe PD may impact the functional outcome of constipation without an evident effect on QOL after VMR. The results, however, remain inconclusive and further research is warranted.

From burden to relief: The economic and quality-of-life advantages of pseudo continent perineal colostomy in ultra-low rectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pseudo Continent Perineal Colostomy (PCPC) is an alternative technique to left iliac colostomy (LIC) after abdominoperineal resection for ultra low rectal cancer (ULRC). It allows placing the stoma in the perineum to preserve patients' body image. However, concerns about its impact on quality of life and management costs have limited its adoption. We aimed to compare the early outcomes and financial burden of PCPC and LIC in ULRC patients in Morocco, a low-middle-income country. METHODS: From January 2018 to December 2019, all patients who underwent abdomino-perineal resection (APR) with LIC or PCPC were prospectively enrolled. For each patient, baseline characteristics, and in hospital and 90 days morbidity with a focus on perineal complications were reported. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the validated EORTC-C30 and CR29 questionnaires. Financial burden to patients was reported using declarative out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) analysis. RESULTS: Among 49 patients who underwent APR, 33 received PCPC and 16 received definitive LIC. Similar rates of early perineal complications were observed between the two groups (p = 0.49). Readmission rate at POD90 was higher in the LIC-group due to perineal sepsis (p = 0.09). QOL analysis at 6 months revealed that patients with PCPC had a higher global health status (p = 0.006), a better physical functioning and reported fewer symptoms of flatulence and fecal incontinence (p = 0.001). Patients with a LIC reported more financial difficulties with higher median OOPC of stoma management up to €23 versus €0 per month for PCPC (p = 0.0024). PCPC was the only predictive factor of improved patient reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PCPC is a cost-effective alternative to the standard definitive colostomy without alteration of the QOL or additional perineal complications during the first 6 months following the surgery. These findings may help convince surgeons to offer this option to patients refusing definitive LIC.

Perineal repair performed by midwives in Australia: A cross-sectional survey study of education and practice.

PROBLEM: Perineal repair is generally not a widely practiced skill amongst Australian midwives, the reasons for this are uncertain and may result in technique variations. BACKGROUND: Many birthing women experience perineal tears that require suturing. As midwives attend the majority of vaginal births, they would be ideally placed to undertake perineal repair. AIM: To describe the current level of midwifery perineal repair skill acquisition, knowledge, techniques and utilization by Australian midwives. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to Australian College of Midwives members and shared via social media. Data on demographics, suturing techniques, reasons why midwives did or did not suture and barriers to skill acquisition were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables including percentages, mean, standard deviation, median and range as appropriate. FINDINGS: 375 completed surveys were received between April and May 2023. 197 midwives indicated current suturing practice and 178 did not suture. Contributing to continuity of care was the most common motivating factor. The use of a continuous suturing technique for all layers of a perineal injury was reported by the majority of suturing midwives. There was greater variation in the management of labial tears. Low numbers of skilled midwives to support attaining competency and high workloads were the main barriers to attaining suturing skills. DISCUSSION: Australian midwives view perineal suturing as a valid midwifery skill that can contribute to continuity of care. Largely organisational barriers exist to skill development and greater utilisation. CONCLUSION: Perineal repair should be prioritised as a fundamental midwifery skill.

Primary flap closure of perineal defects to avoid empty pelvis syndrome after pelvic exenteration in gynecologic malignancies: An old question to explore a new answer.

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical oncological surgical procedure proposed in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecological cancers. The radical alteration of pelvic anatomy and of pelvic floor integrity can cause major postoperative complications. Fortunately, PE can be combined with reconstructive procedures to decrease complications and functional and support problems of pelvic floor, reducing morbility and mortality and increasing quality of life. Many options for reconstructive surgery have been described, especially a wide spectrum of surgical flaps. Different selection criteria have been proposed to select patients for primary perineal defect flap closure without achieving any strict indication of the best option. The aim of this review is to focus on technical aspects and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, providing an overview of those most frequently used for the treatment of pelvic floor defects after PE. Flaps based on the deep inferior epigastric artery, especially vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, and gracilis flaps, based on the gracilis muscle, are the most common reconstructive techniques used for pelvic floor and vaginal reconstruction. In our opinion, reconstructive surgery may be considered in case of total PE or type II/III PE and in patients submitted to prior pelvic irradiation. VRAM could be used to close extended defects at the time of PE, while gracilis flaps can be used in case of VRAM complications. Fortunately, numerous choices for reconstructive surgery have been devised. As these techniques continue to evolve, it is advisable to adopt an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach within a tertiary medical center.

Cold compared with room temperature compress on the repaired primiparous perineum following injury at normal vaginal delivery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The perineum is typically injured at the first vaginal birth. The application of a cold compress to the perineal repair site can reduce pain; however, the effect usually dissipates after a couple of hours. Repeated applications may be needed for sustained analgesia. However, the medium-term effect of repeated applications of cold compress on the perineal repair site on the recovery of sexual function and perineal healing is not known. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate repeated applications of cold vs room temperature (placebo control) compress to the repaired primiparous perineum on pain upon movement. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a university hospital in Malaysia from May 2022 to February 2023. A total of 224 women with a repaired episiotomy or spontaneous second-degree tear sustained at normal delivery were randomized as follows: 113 to frozen gel pack and 111 to room temperature gel pack, as wound compress. The compress was applied to the perineal repair site at 3 timepoints: immediately after repair, and at 4 and 8 hours after delivery, for 20 minutes at each application. The primary outcomes were pain during movement at 12 and 24 hours after delivery, scored using the 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The secondary outcomes include duration of hospital stay; analgesic consumption; recovery and functional metrics of reestablishing flatus, mobilization, and urination, breastfeeding; maternal satisfaction with the allocated compress; and after hospital discharge for up to 6 weeks after birth through telephone interview, analgesic consumption, perineal pain, resumption of vaginal sex, and women's perception of perineal wound healing. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of pain at movement scores were 4 (4-5) vs 5 (4-5) (P=.018) at 12 hours and 2 (1-3) vs 2 (2-3) (P=.173) at 24 hours after birth for cold vs room temperature compress, respectively. Maternal satisfaction scores were 8 (7-9) vs 7 (6-8) (P=.119), oral analgesic for perineal pain while at the postnatal ward was taken by 94 of 113 (83.2%) vs 85 of 109 (78.0%) (relative risk, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.21), and time to the first satisfactory breastfeeding episode was 11.6 (7.9-15.5) vs 13.0 (8.0-20.7) hours (P=.303) for cold vs room temperature compress, respectively. At 2 weeks telephone follow-up, analgesic intake and perineal pain were not different. At 6 weeks, analgesic intake, perineal pain, resumption of vaginal sex, exclusive breastfeeding, and maternal perception of perineal healing were not different. CONCLUSION: Intermittent cold compress in the first 8 hours to the repaired perineum reduces pain at 12 hours but the effect attenuates by 24 hours. Maternal satisfaction with their allocated compress was not different. There was no suggestion of harm or benefit on the other secondary outcomes.

Mid-Perineal Scrotal Flap for the Repair of Urorectal Fistulas: A New Technique.

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an infrequent but severe complication of the treatment of prostate cancer. Herein, we describe a new surgical approach used successfully in 3 patients that incorporates a partially de-epithelialized mid-perineal scrotal flap (MPSF), used as interposition flap, that can be used in almost every patient with RUF after radiotherapy, regardless of having or not a concomitant posterior urethra or bladder neck stricture or contracture that might require a simultaneous urethroplasty. The interposition flap includes well vascularized subcutaneous fat tissue by distal vascular branches of the internal pudendal vessels that reaches without tension the deep perineum up to the posterior bladder neck. The MPSF is a time efficient procedure that allows excellent access to the bulbar urethra and to the surgical plane between rectum and prostate and it does not require a separate incision for the flap harvesting procedure when required.

Recurrent Perineal Hernia in a Female Cat Diagnosed by Positive-Contrast Vaginourethrocystogram.

A 9 yr old female spayed domestic shorthair was presented with a 12-day history of stranguria. Six years previously, the cat had a bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy with cystopexy and pubic osteotomy. At presentation, survey radiographs and a positive-contrast vaginourethrocystogram were performed, which revealed cystolithiasis and recurrent bilateral perineal hernias with bladder retroflexion. A cystopexy was repeated, followed by bilateral perineal repairs using the internal obturator muscle flap transposition. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a perineal hernia with recurrent bladder retroflexion after cystopexy diagnosed with positive-contrast vaginourethrocystogram in a female cat.

Evaluation of semitendinosus muscle transposition for treatment of perineal hernias in 33 small-breed dogs.

Little is known about the perioperative complications and treatment outcomes of repairing perineal hernias using semitendinosus muscle transposition (SMT) in small-breed dogs. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the complications and prognosis of perineal hernia repair using SMT in 33 small, male dogs (weighing < 15 kg). Before the study began, the medical records of all small-breed dogs that underwent SMT from March 2013 to June 2022 at the Veterinary Medical Center, University of Tokyo were analyzed, and telephone interviews were conducted with their owners or referring physicians. Short-term complications were observed in 42.4% of the patients. Lameness was the most common complication, although all cases were resolved within a few days. The recurrence rate during the study period (median: 265 d) was 9.1%. The results of this study showed that transposition of the semitendinosus muscle is more invasive than other surgical procedures for perineal hernias. It is, however, an effective alternative when repair with internal obturator muscle transposition alone is expected to be difficult, such as severe atrophy of the internal obturator muscle or herniation in the ventral direction, and in cases with a history of surgery by transposition of the internal obturator muscle.

On sait peu de choses sur les complications peropératoires et les résultats du traitement de la réparation des hernies périnéales à l'aide de la transposition du muscle semi-tendineux (SMT) chez les chiens de petite race. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer rétrospectivement les complications et le pronostic de la réparation d'une hernie périnéale par SMT chez 33 petits chiens mâles (pesant < 15 kg). Avant le début de l'étude, les dossiers médicaux de tous les chiens de petite race ayant subi une SMT de mars 2013 à juin 2022 au Veterinary Medical Center de l'Université de Tokyo ont été analysés et des entrevues téléphoniques ont été menées avec leurs propriétaires ou médecins vétérinaires référents. Des complications à court terme ont été observées chez 42,4 % des patients. La boiterie était la complication la plus courante, bien que tous les cas aient été résolus en quelques jours. Le taux de récidive au cours de la période d'étude (médiane: 265 jours) était de 9,1 %. Les résultats de cette étude ont démontré que la transposition du muscle semi-tendineux est plus invasive que les autres interventions chirurgicales pour les hernies périnéales. Il s'agit cependant d'une alternative efficace lorsque la réparation par transposition du muscle obturateur interne seul s'annonce difficile, comme une atrophie sévère du muscle obturateur interne ou une hernie dans le sens ventral, et dans les cas d'antécédents chirurgicaux par transposition du muscle obturateur interne.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

A comparison of surgical techniques for perineal wound closure following perineal excision: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To mitigate pelvic wound issues following perineal excision of rectal or anal cancer, a number of techniques have been suggested as an alternative to primary closure. These methods include the use of a biological/dual mesh, omentoplasty, muscle flap, and/or pelvic peritoneum closure. The aim of this network analysis was to compare all the available surgical techniques used in the attempt to mitigate issues associated with an empty pelvis. METHODS: An electronic systematic search using MEDLINE databases (PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed (Last date of research was March 15th, 2023). Studies comparing at least two of the aforementioned surgical techniques for perineal wound reconstruction during abdominoperineal resection, pelvic exenteration, or extra levator abdominoperineal excision were included. The incidence of primary healing, complication, and/or reintervention for perineal wound were evaluated. In addition, the overall incidence of perineal hernia was assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five observational studies and five randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion reporting on 146,398 patients. All the surgical techniques had a comparable risk ratio (RR) in terms of primary outcomes. The pooled network analysis showed a lower RR for perineal wound infection when comparing primary closure (RR 0.53; Crl 0.33, 0.89) to muscle flap. The perineal wound dehiscence RR was lower when comparing both omentoplasty (RR 0.59; Crl 0.38, 0.95) and primary closure (RR 0.58; Crl 0.46, 0.77) to muscle flap. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical options for perineal wound closure have evolved significantly over the last few decades. There remains no clear consensus on the "best" option, and tailoring to the individual remains a critical factor.

Anal sac mast cell tumor in a dog.

An 11-year-old castrated mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with a unilateral anal sac mass. Anal sacculectomy was performed without complication. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with a well-differentiated mast cell tumor. Analyses for the Ki-67 protein, KIT expression pattern, and the presence of c-kit mutations were done. Recovery from surgery was unremarkable and repeat staging revealed no evidence of mast cell disease at 4, 8, and 12 mo after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, primary mast cell neoplasia of the anal sac has not previously been reported in the veterinary literature. Key clinical message: Although mast cell tumors of the perineal region are commonly encountered in veterinary practice, the anal sac represents a novel location for this disease. Cytology of anal sac masses can be a useful diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis, guide staging, and assist in treatment decisions.

Tumeur mastocytaire du sac anal chez un chien. Un chien de race mixte castré âgé de 11 ans a reçu un diagnostic de masse unilatérale du sac anal. La sacculectomie anale a été réalisée sans complication. L'histopathologie de la masse était compatible avec une tumeur mastocytaire bien différenciée. Des analyses de la protéine Ki-67, du modèle d'expression KIT et de la présence de mutations c-kit ont été effectuées. La récupération après la chirurgie était sans particularité et la répétition de la stadification n'a révélé aucun signe de maladie mastocytaire à 4, 8 et 12 mois après la chirurgie. À la connaissance des auteurs, la néoplasie primitive des mastocytes du sac anal n'a pas été signalée auparavant dans la littérature vétérinaire.Message clinique clé:Bien que les tumeurs mastocytaires de la région périnéale soient couramment rencontrées en pratique vétérinaire, le sac anal représente une nouvelle localisation pour cette maladie. La cytologie des masses du sac anal peut être un outil de diagnostic utile pour confirmer le diagnostic, guider la stadification et aider aux décisions de traitement.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).