The incision angle of mediolateral episiotomy before delivery and after repair

Objective

To assess the relevance of the suture angle when evaluating mediolateral episiotomy, and the safety of the accepted lower limit of 40° for the incision angle.

Method

The angles formed by the incision and suture lines with the midline were measured, and any perineal tear noted, in 50 consecutive women undergoing their first vaginal delivery.

Results

The angles were significantly different (40° and 22.5°, respectively; P < 0.001). The only variable significantly linked to the difference was the timing of the episiotomy.

Conclusion

The suture angle cannot currently be used to assess the adequacy of the incision angle; moreover, an incision angle of 40° is probably too acute to prevent potential sphincter damage.     

Short vs long second stage of labour: is there a difference in terms of postpartum anal incontinence?

Objective

Our purpose was to determine if prolonged second-stage labour independently increases postpartum anal incontinence.

Study design

360 primiparous women were studied retrospectively after vaginal delivery of term cephalic singletons, including a group with short second-stage labour (<30 min, n = 163) and a group with a prolonged second stage (>90 min, n = 197). A quality of life questionnaire on anal incontinence (FIQOL) was sent out at 15 months after delivery.

Results

184 women (96 with short second-stage labour and 88 with a prolonged second stage) answered the questionnaire (response rate 51%). Flatus incontinence was reported after prolonged second-stage labour in 9.1% of women vs 15.6% after short second stage (p = 0.18). Fecal incontinence was reported after prolonged second-stage labour in 2.3% vs 5.2% after a short second stage (p = 0.45).

Conclusion

We suggest that prolonged second stage of labour should not be associated with an increased risk of postpartum incontinence.     

Clinical evaluation of peripartum outcomes of mediolateral versus lateral episiotomy

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and extent of vaginal and perineal trauma among primiparous women after mediolateral and lateral episiotomy.

Methods

In a prospective randomized study at University Hospital Pilsen, Czech Republic, 790 consecutive primiparous women were enrolled between April 2010 and April 2012. Mediolateral episiotomy (MLE) followed an angle of at least 60° from the midline. Lateral episiotomy (LE) started 1–2 cm laterally from the midline and was directed toward the ischial tuberosity. A rectal examination was performed before episiotomy repair.

Results

MLE was performed for 390 women, and LE for 400. The groups did not differ in maternal or neonatal characteristics. No difference was found in incidence or extent of vaginal and perineal trauma; or in additional perineal (1.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.6) or vaginal (8.5% vs 10.6%, P = 0.2) trauma continuing along the episiotomy incision. The incidence of anal sphincter injury did not differ between MLE and LE (1.5% vs 1.3%, P = 0.7). MLE was associated with shorter repair times (P < 0.05), less suturing material (P < 0.05), and shorter distances from the anus (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Risk of additional vaginal and perineal trauma, and anal sphincter injury after adequately performed mediolateral episiotomy is relatively low and corresponds to that of lateral episiotomy.     

The prevalence of fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence in primiparous postpartum Chinese women

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) and urinary incontinence (UI) in primiparous postpartum Chinese women.

Study design

Questionnaires about FI and UI symptoms were completed via telephone interviews conducted within 6 months postpartum.

Results

A total of 1889 primiparous postpartum women were asked to participate in this investigation. Only 13 (0.69%) of them had FI within 6 months after parturition, including loss of flatus in six women (0.32%), loss of solid stool in one (0.05%), loss of liquid stool in two (0.11%) and fecal urgency in four (0.21%). Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FI was significantly associated with forceps delivery OR = 37.91 (95% CI 4.20-342.18, P = 0.001) and medio-lateral episiotomy OR = 11.79 (95% CI 1.47-94.46, P = 0.02). The prevalence of UI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) was 9.9% (186), 8.0% (151), 1.0% (18) and 0.9% (17), respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis found that SUI prevalence was related to age OR = 1.08 (95% CI 1.04-1.12, P = 0.000), maternal weight OR = 1.04 (95% CI 1.02-1.06, P = 0.001), neonate head circumference OR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.01-1.36, P = 0.043), spontaneous labor OR = 5.42 (95% CI 2.60-11.32, P = 0.000), forceps delivery OR = 7.0 (95% CI 2.40-20.41, P = 0.000), and medio-lateral episiotomy OR = 5.24 (95% CI 3.15-8.72, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

1. FI and UI prevalence was lower in our department than reported in previous studies in other areas. 2. Vaginal delivery has a risk impact on women's FI and UI, especially forceps delivery and medio-lateral episiotomy. 3. Maternal age, weight, newborn head circumference, spontaneous vaginal delivery, forceps delivery, and medio-lateral episiotomy increase the risk of UI.     

A prospective multicenter audit of labor-room episiotomy and anal sphincter injury assessment in the Netherlands

Objective

To assess the length and angle of mediolateral episiotomies performed by midwives and resident gynecologists at 3 teaching hospitals in the Netherlands, and determine the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury.

Methods

In this prospective audit conducted between February and September 2008, all women delivered at the 3 hospitals were examined in the labor room for perineal injury. When an injury was assessed as being grade 2 or higher, it was re-evaluated. The incidence of anal sphincter injury was then compared with that reported in the preceding year.

Results

Of 1979 women delivered, 420 (21.2%) were given an episiotomy and 58 (2.9%) sustained anal sphincter injury. The episiotomies formed a mean angle of 40° with the perineal midline. There was no difference in length or angle between the episiotomies performed by resident gynecologists and those performed by midwives, and the angle of most episiotomies was sufficiently wide. Compared with the preceding year, the rate of anal sphincter injury was significantly higher.

Conclusion

The quality of episiotomies did not differ when performed by midwives or resident gynecologists. To improve the recognition and classification of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, audits based on an internationally accredited classification could easily become a part of routine hospital practice.     

Manometric evaluation of anal sphincter function after vaginal and cesarean delivery

Objective

To compare anal sphincter function following spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and assess the association of perineal length and sphincter injury with each delivery mode.

Method

Perineal length was measured and anal manometric measurements were performed in 120 primigravidas before and after delivery.

Results

Mean values for maximum anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower after delivery irrespective of the mode of delivery, but there was a positive correlation between postpartum maximum anal resting pressure and perineal length (r = 0.24, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Anal sphincter function was disturbed after both vaginal and cesarean delivery, a finding weakened by the fact that almost half of the cesareans were performed for cephalopelvic disproportion identified during labor.     

Estrategia para disminuir la incidencia de patología grave del periné durante el parto

Background

Severe (third- or fourth-grade) perineal tears during delivery lies in their ability can produce fecal incontinence. We decided to establish a strategy to reduce the incidence of severe tears during delivery.

Material and methods

The strategy was as follows: 1) pain relief options other than epidural were offered; 2) active pushing was delayed until there was maternal urge; 3) upright positions for pushing and delivery were offered; 4) the indication for instrumental delivery was based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ definitions for instrumental delivery, 5) ventouse extraction was used as the instrument of choice, and 6) the use of episiotomy was restricted.

Results

The rate of severe tears significantly decreased (1.56% - 0.84%).

Conclusions

A strategy agreed between midwives and gynecologists can significantly reduce the incidence of severe perineal tears. This reduction was achieved without changing the rate of cesarean sections.     

Intraoperative mapping of anal and perineal anatomy using an electrostimulator

Objective

To present a new technique to identify perineal and anal sphincter anatomy using an electrostimulator in order to facilitate anatomical repair.

Methods

A neglected perineal tear was repaired using the technique described.

Results

The patient's St Mark's incontinence score improved from 22 out of 24 to 6 out of 24.

Conclusions

This technique may be practical and useful for intraoperative mapping of distorted perineal and anal anatomy to assist surgical repair.     

Incontinencia anal postparto y control evolutivo hasta los doce meses

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) of faeces and gases, as well as the factors associated with the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.

Design

Twelve-month follow-up study with visits at 2, 6 and 12 months.

Settings

Vic General Hospital as a basic general hospital in the Osona region (Central Catalonia, Spain).

Subject of the study

Women who had a live birth at full-term between the 1^st of January 2001 and the 31^st of March 2002.

Methodology

During admission for childbirth, data were collected on the mother (age, parity, body mass index, symptoms of incontinence during pregnancy), the type of delivery (vaginal, caesarean) and the foetus (weight, cranial circumference). Two months after parturition, the mothers were examined by a gynaecologist to detect and establish the clinical diagnosis of anal incontinence by means of a specific protocol. The women were asked whether they had symptoms of involuntary release of faeces or gases: women with symptoms of AI underwent a pelvic examination before being referred to a specialist in coloproctology for an assessment. Women with symptoms of AI at 2 months postpartum were recalled at 6 months for a new clinical assessment by the gynaecologist, and after 12 months all those who had shown persistence of symptoms at 6 months were contacted by phone. The prevalence of anal incontinence at 2 months postpartum was calculated and also the association of symptoms with maternal, foetal and delivery factors.

Results

A total of 531 women were visited at 2 months postpartum. Of these, 11 were diagnosed with anal incontinence. At 12 months post partum, 4 (36.4%) of these 11 women continued to have symptoms of incontinence. The prevalence of anal incontinence at 2 months after delivery was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.0-3.7) and was associated with primiparity (Odds ratio [OR] = 7.21, P = 0.029) and forceps use (OR = 5.54, P = 0.021).

Conclusions

The prevalence of AI symptoms at 12 months after parturition was low but in a half of the patients the symptoms were prevalent for more than 6 months. Primiparity and forceps use are associated with the AI symptoms at 2 months postpartum.     

Bilateral uterine artery ligation plus B-Lynch procedure for atonic postpartum hemorrhage with placenta accreta

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta.

Method

This protocol was followed in 26 women undergoing cesarean delivery for placenta accreta.

Results

Two women died from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In the remaining 24 women, placental remnants completely disappeared within 8 months and ovulation resumed after a mean ± SD of 51.6 ± 3.2 days. Moreover, 18 women (75%) became pregnant within 12 months.

Conclusion

Atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta can be safely controlled by bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women who desire to remain fertile.     

Impact of a structured, hands-on, surgical skills training program for midwives performing perineal repair

Objective

To evaluate the effect of structured hands-on training for midwives performing perineal repair.

Methods

The training was performed using models and ox tongues. A total of 719 midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire prior to and immediately after training. Out of 300 participants, 151 completed a follow-up questionnaire 4 months later. Participants rated their knowledge and skills in the domains of instrument handling, knot tying, and subcuticular perineal repair.

Results

Compared with the situation before receiving the training, there was a significant increase in the use of the recommended evidence-based technique for perineal repair 4 months after training (28% vs 100%; P < 0.001), and in the mean scores for knowledge and skills in all the domains (P < 0.001). Participants believed that their patients were happier with the new technique.

Conclusions

Structured hands-on training is an effective way of improving the skills of midwives performing perineal repair and leads to modification of clinical practice.     

A prospective study of pelvic floor dysfunctions related to delivery

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and impact on quality of life of urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) three months after first delivery; to identify risk factors involved in UI or AI; to evaluate possible changes in sexual behaviour and anatomical modifications of pelvic floor after childbirth.

Study design

A multicenter prospective study, in six Italian Ob/Gyn departments, of nulliparous women who delivered at term (37-42 weeks of gestation) between April and September 2005. A structured questionnaire investigated several maternal and obstetric variables. UI and AI were assessed by administration of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and according to Wexner's Continence Grading Scale, at 2-3 days post-partum and at 3 months after delivery. Changes in sexual behaviour, and pelvic floor condition after delivery, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included comparison of means (Mann-Whitney or Student's t-test) and proportions (Chi-square test). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed including variables that were significant in univariate comparisons.

Results

Of 960 enrolled women, 744 were evaluated 3 months after delivery and included in final analysis. The prevalences of UI and AI at that time were 21.6% and 16.3%, respectively. Onset of incontinence during pregnancy was an independent predictor for persistent UI (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.6, Confidence Interval (CI) 3.1-6.8, p < 0.001) and AI (OR 3.6, CI 2.2-6.1, p < 0.001). Family history of urinary or anal incontinence were respectively associated with UI (OR 2.6, CI 1.6-4.0, p < 0.001) and AI (OR 2.4, CI 1.4-4.0, p < 0.001) 3 months after delivery. Among obstetric factors, vaginal delivery was a strong risk factor for UI (OR 3.3, CI 2.0-5.3, p < 0.001). The sexual score improved 3 months after delivery in 72.4% of women. Urogynaecological evaluation showed a significant association between grade 1-2 anterior prolapse, urethral hypermobility and UI.

Conclusion

New onset of UI or AI during pregnancy, positive family history and vaginal delivery are independent risk factors for the persistence of symptoms of UI and AI in the early postpartum period. Adequate counselling and the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent or early identify these conditions are therefore mandatory to improve the patient's quality of life.     

Episiotomy and perineal repair practices among obstetricians in Greece

Objective

To assess current preferences regarding episiotomy and management of obstetric perineal injuries used by obstetricians in Greece, and to assess the impact of evidence-based information on everyday practices.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of obstetricians regarding episiotomy use and the management of obstetric perineal injuries.

Results

Fifty-one percent of obstetricians reported routinely performing an episiotomy during a normal vaginal delivery in primiparous women and 89% reported performing an episiotomy during vacuum-assisted deliveries. Forty-two percent of the respondents performed lateral, 44% mediolateral, and 14% midline episiotomies. Following an obstetric anal sphincter tear, half of the respondents recommended a vaginal delivery, regardless of bowel symptoms. There was significant heterogeneity of practices regarding the repair techniques of all obstetric perineal injuries.

Conclusion

The majority of obstetricians prefer to perform routine mediolateral and lateral episiotomies, for both normal and operative vaginal deliveries. The adoption of evidence-based information should be implemented while considering working and cultural backgrounds.     

Term labor management and outcomes in treated HIV-infected women without contraindications to vaginal delivery and matched controls

Objective

To assess labor management and outcomes for treated HIV-infected pregnant women with no obstetric or virologic contraindications to vaginal delivery.

Method

A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a single center with 146 treated HIV-infected pregnant women without obstetric or virologic contraindications to vaginal delivery and 146 controls. Cases and controls were matched for parity, previous cesarean delivery, and geographic origin.

Results

The mode of delivery was similar in the 2 groups but the episiotomy rate was significantly lower among the HIV-infected women (29.6% vs 45.6%, P = 0.01), with no difference in mean birth weight, simple or complex perineal laceration rates or neonatal outcome. Postpartum morbidity was also similar for controls and HIV-infected women with a CD4⁺ cell count of 200 cells/mL or higher. However, in the study group, postpartum morbidity was higher among those whose CD4⁺ cell count was lower than this threshold (3.2% vs 22.2%, P = 0.007). No case of mother-to-child transmission of HIV occurred.

Conclusion

HIV-infected women with no contraindication to vaginal delivery seem to have the same labor outcomes as uninfected women.     

Spatula-assisted deliveries: a large cohort of 1065 cases

Objective

To analyze neonatal and maternal complications of operative vaginal delivery using spatulas.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 1065 consecutive spatula-assisted deliveries at Nice University Hospital from 2003 through 2006, excluding stillbirths and breech deliveries. After univariate analysis, we performed logistic regression analysis to assess risk factors for severe perineal injuries and vaginal lacerations.

Results

The success rate was 98.2%. Vaginal tears occurred in 23.7% of patients. The rate of third and fourth degree perineal injuries was 6.2%. No severe neonatal complication directly related to extraction was noted. Nulliparity, shoulder dystocia and absence of episiotomy were independently associated with an elevated risk of anal sphincter damage. Nulliparity and absence of episiotomy were significantly and independently associated with an increased incidence of vaginal tears.

Conclusion

Rates of perineal injuries, failure and neonatal complications observed with spatulas were similar to those reported in the literature with other instruments for operative vaginal delivery.     

Transvaginal repair of complex and complicated vesicovaginal fistulae

Objective

To document the experience at a tertiary referral hospital in India with managing complex and complicated vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) by the transvaginal route, and to document the complications and the long-term outcome of the patients.

Methods

The medical records of 102 patients with complex or complicated VVF who underwent transvaginal surgical repair during 2000-2009 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 24 years and the mean duration of urinary incontinence was 3 years (range 6 months to 12 years). The patients were followed up for a median of 48 months. In total, 78 patients had obstetric fistulae, 20 patients had surgical (gynecologic) fistulae, and 4 patients had postradiation fistulae. The overall success rate for the transvaginal approach was 86.3%. Fourteen patients remained incontinent despite the surgical repair. Early failure of the repair was observed in 11.8% of the patients and delayed failure in 2.0%. Postoperative complications included stress urinary incontinence (9.8%), urge urinary incontinence (7.8%), dyspareunia (5.9%), and chronic labial pain (2.0%).

Conclusion

The transvaginal approach to the repair of complex and complicated VVF gives good long-term results with low complication rates.     

Age of sexual debut and central introital dyspareunia

Objectives

Analysis of characteristics of patients with introital central dyspareunia. Is late coitarche (age at first sexual intercourse) a risk factor for introital dyspareunia?

Study design

145 women attending a vulvo-vaginitis clinic in secondary and tertiary care center in Tienen and Leuven, Belgium, with central introital pain during sexual intercourse.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 32 years, and 5% were 60 years of age or older. Of the patients, 51% had primary and 49% secondary dyspareunia. Before referral, two-thirds of the patients had already tried several types of therapy, including psychiatric help in 16% of cases. The study group of patients with central introital dyspareunia had a coitarche at a mean of 18.3 years. 72% of the dyspareunic women with coitarche later than 18 had to regularly interrupt intercourse because of pain, compared with 52% of women with coitarche before 18 (p < 0.05). A strong correlation was found between the age of sexual debut and the necessity to interrupt intercourse attempts due to pain (p < 0.001). Frequency of intercourse was also found to be inversely related to coitarche.

Conclusion

Women with introital dyspareunia had their sexual debut at a later age than otherwise comparable women. Late coitarche is inversely related to frequency of attempted intercourse and to the necessity to interrupt intercourse due to pain, suggesting a relation between coitarchal age and severity of dyspareunia. A possible explanation is increased fibrosis and stiffening of the hymenal remnants at the posterior vulvar commissural due to increasing age in primary, and repeated injury by sexual contacts in secondary, central introital dyspareunia patients.     

A randomised clinical trial of the effect of low-level laser therapy for perineal pain and healing after episiotomy: A pilot study

Objective

to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy for perineal pain and healing after episiotomy.

Design

a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial comparing perineal pain scores and episiotomy healing in women treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and with the simulation of the treatment.

Setting

the study was conducted in the Birth Centre and rooming-in units of Amparo Maternal, a maternity service located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants

fifty-two postpartum women who had had mediolateral episiotomies during their first normal delivery were randomly divided into two groups of 26: an experimental group and a control group.

Intervention

in the experimental group, the women were treated with LLLT. Irradiation was applied at three points directly on the episiotomy after the suture and in three postpartum sessions: up to 2 hrs postpartum, between 20 and 24 hrs postpartum and between 40 and 48 hrs postpartum. The LLLT was performed with diode laser, with a wavelength of 660 nm (red light), spot size of 0.04 cm², energy density of 3.8 J/cm², radiant power of 15 mW and 10 s per point, which resulted in an energy of 0.15 J per point and a total energy of 0.45 J per session. The control group participants also underwent three treatment sessions, but without the emission of radiation (simulation group), to assess the possible effects of placebo treatment.

Main outcomes

perineal pain scores, rated on a scale from 0 to 10, were evaluated before and immediately after the irradiation in the three sessions. The healing process was assessed using the REEDA scale (Redness, Edema, Echymosis, Discharge Aproximation) before each laser therapy session and 15 and 20 days after the women's discharge.

Findings

comparing the pain scores before and after the LLLT sessions, the experimental group presented a significant within-group reduction in mean pain scores after the second and third sessions (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively), and the control group showed a significant reduction after the first treatment simulation (p=0.043). However, the comparison of the perineal pain scores between the experimental and control groups indicated no statistical difference at any of the evaluated time points. There was no significant difference in perineal healing scores between the groups. All postpartum women approved of the low-level laser therapy.

Conclusions

this pilot study showed that LLLT did not accelerate episiotomy healing. Although there was a reduction in perineal pain mean scores in the experimental group, we cannot conclude that the laser relieved perineal pain. This study led to the suggestion of a new research proposal involving another irradiation protocol to evaluate LLLT's effect on perineal pain relief.     

A population-based register study to determine indications for episiotomy in Finland

Objective

To evaluate whether there is a shift in the episiotomy target group from women at low risk to those at high risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, concomitant with a decrease in the use of episiotomy.

Methods

A population-based register of 514 741 women with singleton vaginal deliveries recorded in the Finnish Medical Birth Register was reviewed. Primiparous and multiparous women with episiotomy were compared to women without episiotomy for possible risk factors via stepwise logistic regression analysis. The prevalence and risk of episiotomy were evaluated over 5 time periods from 1997 to 2007.

Results

The occurrence of episiotomy decreased from 71.5% in 1997-1999 to 54.9% in 2006-2007 among primiparous women, and from 21.5% in 1997-2001 to 9.2% in 2006-2007 among multiparous women. The use of episiotomy decreased in not only low-risk but also high-risk women who had operative vaginal or breech deliveries, macrosomic newborns, and oxytocin augmentation. The ratio of episiotomy use remained relatively unchanged in different subgroups even though episiotomy policy became increasingly restrictive over time.

Conclusions

The spectrum of episiotomy indications has not changed over time, and use of episiotomy has declined arbitrarily to a similar extent among high- and low-risk women.     

Vaginal danazol for women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with vaginal danazol in improving the pain symptoms caused by rectovaginal endometriosis that persist after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD).

Methods

This pilot observational study included 15 women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after LNG-IUD insertion. Vaginal danazol (100 mg per day) was self-administered for 6 months. The intensity of pain symptoms and the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules were evaluated.

Results

Twelve women were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. After treatment with vaginal danazol for 3 months, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of pain symptoms compared with their intensity before the administration of danazol. The intensity of pain symptoms decreased further at 6-month follow-up. The volume of the rectovaginal nodules decreased after treatment with vaginal danazol for 6 months (1.7 ± 0.8 cm³) compared with the baseline volume (2.3 ± 0.9 cm³; P < 0.001). Adverse effects of the treatment were minimal and well tolerated.

Conclusion

Although a placebo effect cannot be excluded, the results indicate that vaginal danazol decreases the severity of endometriosis-related pain symptoms after LNG-IUD insertion.