Continuous versus interrupted sutures for repair of episiotomy using monofilament versus synthetic absorbable multifilament suture materials: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To compare different repair techniques and different suture materials for episiotomy. Background Care of the perineum during and after childbirth has been a topic of considerable interest to all involved for many years. A considerable amount of research has been carried out in the area of perineal care, particularly in relation to the practice of performing episiotomy and to the methods of suturing. Patients and methods A total of 90 primigravidae were admitted for labor and underwent a mediolateral episiotomy after vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated into four groups in which continuous and interrupted episiotomy repair techniques were performed under two different types of suture materials, that is, monofilament type in the form of poliglecaprone 25 and multifilament type in the form of polyglactin 910. Perineal pain during different activities on the first and seventh day postpartum was questioned by visual analog scale, and the presence of perineal pain after 3 months of delivery, repair time, amount of suture material, and episiotomy complications were investigated in each group. Results The results of the present study showed that the assessments of pain in the first day and after 1 week in movement, repose, sitting, urination, and defecation were insignificant regarding suture techniques and suture materials. The repair time and the length of suture material were statistically less in the continuous technique groups. The type of suture material did not show significant effect on either the length of suture material used or the episiotomy repair time. Conclusion The use of continuous technique of episiotomy repair is better than interrupted technique, because the former is quicker and cheaper as less suture material is used with no differences on either short-term or long-term morbidity.