Massimo Franchi1, Francesca Parissone1, Cecilia Lazzari1, Simone Garzon2, Antonio Simone Laganà3, Ricciarda Raffaelli1, Antonella Cromi3, Fabio Ghezzi3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 1, 21100, Varese, Italy. simone.garzon@yahoo.it. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 1, 21100, Varese, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of selective use of episiotomy on perineal trauma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on consecutive vaginal deliveries from January 2010 to December 2016. From January 2010 to December 2011 episiotomy was performed liberally, based only on individual midwife/doctor's decision. Since January 2012, a shared selective use of episiotomy policy has been introduced. To evaluate the range of perineal trauma in spontaneous second-degree perineal tears, a sub-classification of second-degree lacerations has been introduced dividing them into two sub-groups: A (smaller than the average episiotomy) and B (spontaneous vaginal tear larger than the average episiotomy). The primary outcomes were the incidence and type of perineal trauma, with the proportion of type A and type B second-degree spontaneous tears under a policy of selective episiotomy. RESULTS: Deliveries not exposed to selective use of episiotomy were 1583 (Group 1), those exposed to selective use of episiotomy were 6409 (Group 2). In Group 2 episiotomy rate decreased, and incidence of intact perineum, first- and second-degree lacerations increased. The incidence of third- and fourth-degree lacerations did not change. Spontaneous second-degree lacerations occurred in 19.4% and 36.8% of women in group 1 and 2, respectively. With a selective episiotomy policy, 88.3% of second-degree tears was classified as type A. CONCLUSIONS: The selective use of episiotomy is clinically feasible and effective. This policy seems to be associated with a lower delivery-related perineal trauma as showed by the sub-classification, that could be a useful tool to monitor obstetric care.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of selective use of episiotomy on perineal trauma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on consecutive vaginal deliveries from January 2010 to December 2016. From January 2010 to December 2011 episiotomy was performed liberally, based only on individual midwife/doctor's decision. Since January 2012, a shared selective use of episiotomy policy has been introduced. To evaluate the range of perineal trauma in spontaneous second-degree perineal tears, a sub-classification of second-degree lacerations has been introduced dividing them into two sub-groups: A (smaller than the average episiotomy) and B (spontaneous vaginal tear larger than the average episiotomy). The primary outcomes were the incidence and type of perineal trauma, with the proportion of type A and type B second-degree spontaneous tears under a policy of selective episiotomy. RESULTS: Deliveries not exposed to selective use of episiotomy were 1583 (Group 1), those exposed to selective use of episiotomy were 6409 (Group 2). In Group 2 episiotomy rate decreased, and incidence of intact perineum, first- and second-degree lacerations increased. The incidence of third- and fourth-degree lacerations did not change. Spontaneous second-degree lacerations occurred in 19.4% and 36.8% of women in group 1 and 2, respectively. With a selective episiotomy policy, 88.3% of second-degree tears was classified as type A. CONCLUSIONS: The selective use of episiotomy is clinically feasible and effective. This policy seems to be associated with a lower delivery-related perineal trauma as showed by the sub-classification, that could be a useful tool to monitor obstetric care.
Authors: Marit S G van der Pijl; Marlies Kasperink; Martine H Hollander; Corine Verhoeven; Elselijn Kingma; Ank de Jonge Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-02-12 Impact factor: 3.240
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