Original Articles
A study of the morbidity associated with episiotomy
Authors:
Deepal S. Weerasekera ,
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, LK
About Deepal S.
University Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Surani G. Udugama
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, LK
About Surani G.
University Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Abstract
Objective: To review the indications and the morbidity associated with episiotomy.
Methods: Study was carried out in 450 consecutive women who had episiotomies at delivery during the period from 01-03-2002 to 01-09-2002 at University Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Women were interviewed within 24 hours of delivery and 6 weeks later. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: Out of a total of 876 mothers 51.4% had episiotomies at delivery and in 87% the indication was prevention of a possible perineal laceration. In 8% of women episiotomy was sutured later than 30 minutes from the time of performing. Although 10 ml of 1% lignocaine was infiltrated before performing and suturing the episiotomy, 80% of women complained of moderate to severe pain while performing the incision and 73% complained of moderate to severe pain during suturing. When seen six weeks later, 5% of patients complained of perineal pain and only 0.4 % had dyspareunia.
Conclusion: Although episiotomy is generally considered to be a harmless procedure it causes moderate to severe pain in a majority of women. Adequate local analgesia, use of less-reactive suture material, emphasis on immediate suturing and post-partum analgesics may contribute to reduce the pain suffered by women following episiotomy.
How to Cite:
Weerasekera, D.S. and Udugama, S.G., 2007. A study of the morbidity associated with episiotomy. Ceylon Journal of Medical Science, 45(2), pp.77–81. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjms.v45i2.4853
Published on
24 Dec 2007.
Peer Reviewed
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