OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the policy of restrictive episiotomy could be safely implemented in Chinese population, and whether perineal length was related to risk of perineal tear during spontaneous vaginal delivery. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between November 2007 and February 2008. A restrictive approach of episiotomy was implemented in those Chinese women who carried an uncomplicated singleton cephalic presenting pregnancy in labour. Perineal length (PL) was measured at three time points: (A) at early first stage of labour; (B) at the beginning of the second stage; (C) at crowning. Women with and without perineal tears were compared with reference to PL measured at different stages and its stretching performance (defined by the change in PL between different stages). RESULTS: Among the 429 women recruited, mean PL at point A, B and C was 38.8 mm (+/-7.9), 49.4 mm (+/-8.1) and 59.4 mm (+/-9.4), respectively, which were similar to those reported in other countries. Episiotomy rate reduced from 73.3 to 26.8%. Among the non-episiotomy group, 13.7% had no perineal tear, 86.3% had minor (first or second degree) tears but none had major tears, whilst 3.5% and 0.9% of episiotomy group had minor and major tears, respectively. PL was not associated with the risk of perineal tear. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive episiotomy reduces the episiotomy rate without compromising the perineal safety. Chinese women's PL is not shorter than other races, or is predictive of perineal tears.
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the policy of restrictive episiotomy could be safely implemented in Chinese population, and whether perineal length was related to risk of perineal tear during spontaneous vaginal delivery. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between November 2007 and February 2008. A restrictive approach of episiotomy was implemented in those Chinese women who carried an uncomplicated singleton cephalic presenting pregnancy in labour. Perineal length (PL) was measured at three time points: (A) at early first stage of labour; (B) at the beginning of the second stage; (C) at crowning. Women with and without perineal tears were compared with reference to PL measured at different stages and its stretching performance (defined by the change in PL between different stages). RESULTS: Among the 429 women recruited, mean PL at point A, B and C was 38.8 mm (+/-7.9), 49.4 mm (+/-8.1) and 59.4 mm (+/-9.4), respectively, which were similar to those reported in other countries. Episiotomy rate reduced from 73.3 to 26.8%. Among the non-episiotomy group, 13.7% had no perineal tear, 86.3% had minor (first or second degree) tears but none had major tears, whilst 3.5% and 0.9% of episiotomy group had minor and major tears, respectively. PL was not associated with the risk of perineal tear. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive episiotomy reduces the episiotomy rate without compromising the perineal safety. Chinese women's PL is not shorter than other races, or is predictive of perineal tears.
Authors: Nadia Rahman; Latha Vinayakarao; Sangeeta Pathak; Dawn Minden; Louise Melson; Ella Vitue; A Pradhan Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2016-10-25 Impact factor: 2.894
Authors: Anh T Trinh; Amina Khambalia; Amanda Ampt; Jonathan M Morris; Christine L Roberts Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2013-03-21 Impact factor: 9.408
Authors: Jiangfeng Ye; Yan Chen; Hua Yang; Qian Chen; Yun Huang; Jian Zhao; Lei Tu; Ming Liu; Jun Zhang Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-12-12