Degree Perineal Tears Research Articles

Obstetric Perineal Tears, Birth Characteristics and the Association with Urinary Incontinence Among Primiparous Women 12 Months Postpartum: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Postpartumurinary incontinence (UI)is common and aconcern for many women, as UI leads to a lower quality of life and self-esteem. Perineal tears may be a risk factor for UI, yet few studies have investigated the association between the degree of perineal tear and risk of developing UI postpartum. The objective was to examine how the degree of perineal tear and selected obstetric risk factors were associated with any UI and stress ultrasound (SUI) 12 months postpartum among primiparous women. A prospective cohort study was conducted at four Danish hospitals. Baseline data were obtained at a clinical examination 2 weeks postpartum. Symptoms of UI were evaluated 12 months postpartum by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form questionnaire (web-based). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors for UI. A total of 603 primiparous women (203 with none/labia/first-degree tears, 200 with second-degree tears and 200 with third-/fourth-degree tears) were included between July 2015 and January 2018. Women with tears involving the perineal muscles reported any UI more often than women with no/labia or first-degree tears (spontaneous second-degree tear: RR 2.04, 95% CI 0.92-4.50; episiotomy: RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.99-4.96; third- or fourth-degree tear: RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.18-6.28). The same was found for SUI, but with wider confidence intervals. A higher prevalence of any UI and SUI was found among women with perineal tears involving any perineal muscles, compared with women with no, labia, or first-degree tears.

A prospective observational study on feto-maternal risk factors for different degree of perineal tear among the mothers delivered vaginally with episiotomy wound

A prospective observational study on feto-maternal risk factors for different degree of perineal tear among the mothers delivered vaginally with episiotomy wound

Medical Illustration - A Pictorial Essay Visual Illustration of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) Degrees of Severity, a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

AbstractObstetric anal sphincter injury affects about 5.7% of primiparous women who deliver vaginally. Perineal injury during childbirth is a common event with important morbidity associated with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears (also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries—OASIS). As there was a lack of consistency in the classification of a partial anal sphincter injury, with up to 33% of consultant obstetricians classifying a complete or partial tear of the EAS as a second-degree tear. We have proposed simple, digital diagrammatic drawings to visually represent all degrees (grades) of OASIS based on the WHO OASIS classification.

Predicting perineal trauma during childbirth using data from a general obstetric population.

Perineal trauma is a common complication of childbirth and can have serious impacts on long-term health. Few studies have examined the combined effect of multiple risk factors. We developed and internally validated a risk prediction model to predict third and fourth degree perineal tears using data from a general obstetric population. Risk prediction model using data from all singleton vaginal deliveries at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), Ireland during 2019 and 2020. Third/fourth degree tears were diagnosed by an obstetrician or midwife at time of birth and defined as tears that extended into the anal sphincter complex or involved both the anal sphincter complex and anorectal mucosa. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection to develop the models. Candidate predictors included infant sex, maternal age, maternal body mass index, parity, mode of delivery, birthweight, post-term delivery, induction of labour and public/private antenatal care. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve C-statistic to assess discrimination, and bootstrapping techniques were used to assess internal validation. Of 8,403 singleton vaginal deliveries, 8,367 (99.54%) had complete data on predictors for model development. A total of 128 women (1.53%) had a third/fourth degree tear. Three variables remained in the final model: nulliparity, mode of delivery (specifically forceps delivery or ventouse delivery) and increasing birthweight (per 100 gram increase) (C-statistic: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.79). We developed a nomogram to calculate individualised risk of third/fourth degree tears using these predictors. Bootstrapping indicated good internal performance. Use of our nomogram can provide an individualised risk assessment of third/fourth degree tears and potentially aid counselling of women on their potential risk.

Perineal tear and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress: A prospective cohort study.

Quantitative studies examining the occurrence of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) following severe perineal rupture are lacking. The objective of this population-based study was to investigate the prospective associations between the degree of perineal tear during childbirth and CB-PTSD symptoms, when adjusting for known covariates (maternal age, years of school education, premature birth, and parity). We hypothesized that women with different degrees of perineal tear will differ regarding (1) the level of CB-PTSD symptoms at 8 weeks and 2 years postpartum and (2) the rate of change in CB-PTSD symptoms from 8 weeks to 2 years postpartum. Secondary data analysis from the Akershus Birth Cohort, a large population-based prospective cohort study using self-report questionnaires and hospital record data. The degree of perineal tear was significantly associated with CB-PTSD symptoms at 8 weeks and 2 years postpartum. However, the degree of perineal tear was not significantly associated with the change in CB-PTSD symptoms over time. Similar patterns were found for both total CB-PTSD symptoms as well as for avoidance and intrusion symptoms only. Results seem to support a dose-response model, suggesting that the higher the severity of the perineal tear, the higher the posttraumatic morbidity.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries: are defunctioning colostomies required?

The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury in the UK is rising. This condition leads to significant morbidity in otherwise healthy women. Significant long-term complications of obstetric anal sphincter injury include anal incontinence, ano-vaginal or recto-vaginal fistula and psychological distress. Current management of third and fourth degree perineal tears post-vaginal birth is primary repair. This article discusses the role of a defunctioning colostomy in women with severe perineal tears in the immediate postnatal period. A defunctioning colostomy is a surgical procedure to open a section of colon (large bowel) onto the abdominal wall; a stoma bag is then worn over this to collect faeces. The rectum and anal canal are not used (defunctioned), while the stoma is in place and the perineum is healing. This article describes the purpose and operative steps of colostomy formation and reviews current published evidence of outcomes in those with colostomy formation for obstetric anal sphincter injury. It also addresses the difference in clinical approach between obstetricians and colorectal surgeons in relation to the management of severe obstetric anal sphincter injury and highlight the need for multidisciplinary input.

Effect of the “shoulder-up” bundle on the incidence of spontaneous perineal injury after vaginal delivery: comparison of 2 historic cohorts after propensity score matching

Perineal injury following vaginal delivery represents a major cause of long-term maternal morbidity and its prevention is among the priorities of modern Obstetric practice. To investigate whether the systematic implementation of a bundle of maneuvers to prevent perineal injury (i.e. the "shoulder-up" bundle) may reduce the rate of spontaneous perineal tears in women delivering at a single tertiary maternity unit. Single-center retrospective intervention study including all vaginal deliveries between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2022. On March 1st, 2021, a bundle focused on perineal injury prevention in vaginal deliveries has been implemented and introduced as a standard of care. The "shoulder-up" bundle includes the addition of a hands on technique for the delivery of the posterior shoulder which is slowly lifted up under the direct visualization of the perineal body, immediately after the disengagement of the anterior shoulder. The labor ward staff underwent a dedicated training to acquire expertise on the "shoulder-up" bundle. Little changes in terms of medical and midwifery staffing were recorded during the study period. The incidence of spontaneous 2nd or higher degree perineal tears was compared between the patients who gave birth prior to the clinical implementation of the bundle (Standard care Group) and those who were delivered following the implementation of the bundle (Shoulder-up Group). A 1:1 propensity score matching of the two groups was done for the variables that proved to be independently associated with the perineal outcome. From April 1st 2020 to March 31st 2022, 3671 patients had a vaginal birth at our tertiary care Unit (1786 in the Standard Care group and 1885 in the "Shoulder-up" group) and were enrolled in the study population. Of these 1191 (32.4%) experienced a spontaneous 2nd or higher degree perineal tear; at univariate analysis nulliparity (59.6% vs 39.1%, p<.001), higher gestational age at delivery (39.8 ± 1.28 vs 39.4 ± 1.97 weeks, p<.001), epidural analgesia (40.6% vs 31.2%, p<.001), vacuum assisted delivery (9.6% vs 4.0%, p<.001) and birthweight > 4Kg (11.0% vs 6.3%, p<.001) resulted independently associated with the perineal outcome. Following propensity Score matching for the above cited factors, 1703 patients of either group were compared. A significant increase in the rate of intact perineum (71.0% vs 64.1%, p = 0.014) and a reduction in the incidence of 2nd (27.2% vs 32.9%, p = 0.006) and 3rd-4th degree perineal tears (1.3% vs 3.0%, p<.001) was demonstrated in the "shoulder-up" group. Among the subgroup of patients undergoing vacuum assisted delivery a borderline significant reduction in the OASIs rate (10.4% vs 2.9%, p=0.052) was also observed. Our study showed that the clinical implementation of the "shoulder-up" bundle at vaginal delivery is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of spontaneous 2nd or higher degree perineal tears.

Influence of in utero fetal death on perineal tears in vaginal deliveries

The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the incidence of perineal tears and Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) after vaginal delivery following a in utero fetal death (IUFD) compared with those with a live-birth. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study using a database of all women who underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery in the level III maternity ward. Exclusion criteria were breech presentation, cesarean section birth, instrumental delivery, multiple pregnancy, delivery before 24 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG) and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. Women from the database were divided into two groups: an "in utero fetal death" (IUFD) group and a control group. Women were included in the IUFD group if they had a spontaneous vaginal delivery following a fetal demise after 24 + 6 WG in cephalic presentation between January 2006 and June 2020. Women in the "control" group were selected from the same database and were included if they underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a live fetus in cephalic presentation, after 24 + 6 WG, during the same period. Each woman in the "IUFD" group was matched to two women (ratio 1:2) in the control group for parity, maternal age, body mass index, gestation and birth weight. The primary outcome was the presence of a sutured or unsutured perineal tear. During the study period, 31,208 patients delivered at a level III maternity hospital. Among them, 215 and 430 women were included in the IUFD group and the control group respectively. The two groups were comparable for all demographic and clinical characteristics except for an epidural analgesia (92% versus 70% in the control group, p < 0.01) and labor induction (86% versus 17% in the control group, p < 0.01). The incidence of any perineal tears was 13% (28/15) in the IUFD group versus 16% (70/430) in the control group. Relative risk of any perineal tears was non significative (RR = 0.8 IC95% [0.5–1.2]). The incidence of first-degree perineal tears was 10% in the IUFD group and 11% in the control group. The incidence of second-degree perineal tears was 18% in the IUFD group and 28% in the control group. Relative risk of first-degree perineal tears (RR = 0.88 95% CI [0.5–1.4]) and second-degree tears (RR = 0.51 95% CI [0.2–1.4]) were non significative. No obstetrical anal sphincter injury was found in either group. Vaginal delivery following a fetal demise did not appear to be either a risk factor or a protective factor for perineal tears. But there as a trend toward a lower incidence of second degree perineal tears in this context.

Anthropometric Features and Third-Fourth Degree Perineal Tears

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal and fetal anthropometric characteristics and third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. This retrospective cohort study considered all consecutive pregnancies from 2011 to 2017 at a single Institution. The inclusion criteria were: singletons who delivered vaginally during the study period, the presence of information on maternal pre-pregnancy weight, maternal height, and weight of the newborn. The feto-maternal body-mass index (BMI) was calculated as neonatal weight in kg on maternal height in squared meters (kg/m2). In total, 5397 singleton-term pregnancies were included; the prevalence of third-fourth-degree perineal tears was 0.47%. The most predictive factors were: nulliparity, feto-maternal BMI, neonatal weight, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal head circumference. After adjustment in multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors were nulliparity and fetomaternal BMI. The AUC of the final multivariate model was 73.54% (95% CI 65.65-81.42). Furthermore, feto-maternal BMI and gestational age had a significant direct correlation. Nulliparity and feto-maternal BMI are the two best predictors for third and fourth-degree perineal tears in our setting. Confirming this association in future research and integrating it into a decision algorithm on delivery timing could reduce obstetric damage to the anal sphincter.

Dolor pélvico en mujeres con episiotomía versus mujeres con desgarro perineal de segundo grado

IntroductionPelvic pain is one of the most common pelvic floor dysfunctions in the postpartum period, depending on the degree of injury and the time at which it is assessed. The degree of involvement of a mediolateral episiotomy is similar to that of a second degree perineal tear, therefore it was decided to conduct a study to collect the degree of pain reported using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Material and methodsAn observational, prospective longitudinal epidemiological study of dynamic cohorts was conducted among 384 women, of whom 255 had a second-degree tear and 129 had undergone an episiotomy. An assessment of the pelvic floor was carried out, together with data collection (performance or not of perineal massage, pelvic floor muscle exercises, presence of Kristeller, type of suture) as well as the degree and type of pain using the McGill Questionnaire, in the immediate puerperium, at six weeks, and six months of postpartum. ResultsIn the immediate puerperium more than 50% of women reported some type of painful sensation, without finding significant differences between both cohorts. However, as the study evolved, there was a progressive decrease in pain in both cohorts. By six weeks postpartum, less than 33% of women reported a painful sensation, considered as absence of pain according to the criteria of the McGill questionnaire. ConclusionThe presence of episiotomy or second degree perineal tear was not related to perineal pain.

Infección perineal según episiotomía en pacientes puérperas del centro de salud Maritza Campos Díaz Zamacola, Arequipa-2019

Episiotomy is a surgical procedure on the vulva to facilitate the delivery of the fetus and avoid third and fourth degree perineal tears. However, it is used at discretion due to the possible complications it can cause. One of the most frequent and serious is the infection of the soft tissues of the perineum caused by microorganisms that penetrate through the surgical wound, which can come from the vaginal, intestinal or skin flora of the woman or from the hospital environment. In this cross-sectional comparative observational study, the objective was to determine the occurrence of perineal infection according to the practice of episiotomy in patients treated at the "Maritza Campos Díaz" Health Center - Zamácola. The sample consisted of 80 women between 19 and 29 years of age, during the postpartum period, who attended the 30-day control, 40 who underwent mediolateral episiotomy and another 40 without episiotomy with second-degree perineal tear that met the criteria Inclusion and exclusion criteria. The frequency of infections was recorded only within the group of patients with episiotomy, with a percentage of 12.5%. Although it was possible to determine a statistical difference (p&lt;0.05) in the occurrence of 5/9 presumptive clinical manifestations of infection among the patients according to episiotomy, it was not possible to determine the association between episiotomy and perineal infection, by obtaining an OR of 12.55 (0.67-235.01).

Management of Third and Fourth-Degree Perineal Tears After Vaginal Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/079, December 2020).

Purpose This guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears which occur during vaginal birth. The aim is to improve the management of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears and reduce the immediate and long-term damage. The guideline is intended for midwives, obstetricians and physicians involved in caring for high-grade perineal tears. Methods A selective search of the literature was carried out. Consensus about the recommendations and statements was achieved as part of a structured process during a consensus conference with neutral moderation. Recommendations After every vaginal birth, a careful inspection and/or palpation by the obstetrician and/or the midwife must be carried out to exclude a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear. Vaginal and anorectal palpation is essential to assess the extent of birth trauma. The surgical team must also include a specialist physician with the appropriate expertise (preferably an obstetrician or a gynecologist or a specialist for coloproctology) who must be on call. In exceptional cases, treatment may also be delayed for up to 12 hours postpartum to ensure that a specialist is available to treat the individual layers affected by trauma. As neither the end-to-end technique nor the overlapping technique have been found to offer better results for the management of tears of the external anal sphincter, the surgeon must use the method with which he/she is most familiar. Creation of a bowel stoma during primary management of a perineal tear is not indicated. Daily cleaning of the area under running water is recommended, particularly after bowel movements. Cleaning may be carried out either by rinsing or alternate cold and warm water douches. Therapy should also include the postoperative use of laxatives over a period of at least 2 weeks. The patient must be informed about the impact of the injury on subsequent births as well as the possibility of anal incontinence.

Restrictive v/s Routine episiotomy in Primigravida

Introduction: Episiotomy is the surgical enlargement of the vaginal orifice by an incision on the perineum during the last part of the second stage of labour or delivery. Episiotomy is the most common surgical procedure experienced by women. In near past there were many studies pointed out its disadvantages like more post-delivery pain, wound complications and dyspareunia. So, this study was done to compare use of restrictive episiotomy and routine episiotomy in primigravidae undergoing vaginal birth. Aims and objectives: To assess the effects of restrictive use of episiotomy in comparison with routine episiotomy in primigravida during vaginal birth in terms of - (1) No. of episiotomies can be avoided (2) Perineal tear (3) Blood loss (4) Hematoma &amp; Healing complications (5) Faecal &amp; urinary incontinence (6) Dyspareunia. Material and methods: This study was descriptive analytic study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surat municipal institute of medical education and research (SMIMER), Surat from January 2017 to June 2019 with sample size of 148 patients. Results: This study included total 148 patients, where 74 were selected randomly in each group. In Restrictive Episiotomy group, out of 74 patients, Episiotomy was required in 18 (24.32%) patients. Thus, Episiotomy was avoided in 56 (75.68%) patients. Mean duration of second stage of labour in Routine Episiotomy group was 31.88 ± 5.37min and in Restrictive Episiotomy group it was 32.35 ± 3.73min, which was suggestive of no statistically significant difference. (p value = 0.5375). Total 4.05% patients in Routine group and 13.51% patients in Restrictive group suffered from anterior vaginal tear which was statistically significant (p value = 0.021). There were 2 cases (18%) of 2nd degree perineal tear in routine episiotomy group which were 8(40%) in restrictive episiotomy group. The difference was statistically assessed by Chi-square and found to be significant (p value=0.2399). Not a single case of 3rd &amp; 4th degree perineal tear in either group. In Routine Episiotomy group, suturing was done in 100% patients. While restricted episiotomy group only 44.59% needed suturing which was statistically significant (p value:&lt;0.0001). Average blood loss in Routine group was 341.89 ± 49.33ml and in Restrictive group was 301.01 ± 52.41ml. So, there was significantly higher blood loss in Routine Episiotomy group. (p value= 0.000002). Complications rate in the form of episiotomy wound gap and hematoma was higher in routine group in 5.41% patients as compared to 1.35% patients in Restrictive group. Postpartum perineal pain at 1 week (14 v/s 5) and 2 weeks (5 v/s 1) was significantly higher in routine group as compared to the restrictive group. Postpartum perineal pain at 1 week and 2 weeks was significantly higher in routine group as compared to the restrictive group. Conclusion: In conclusion on the basis of our study, the immediate outcomes of routine episiotomy are no better than the restrictive use of episiotomy. Indeed, routine use is harmful to the degree that some proportion of women who would have had lesser injury instead had a surgical incision. The routine use of episiotomy has higher incidence of peripartum blood loss, requirement of suturing, postpartum perineal pain and healing complications. The policy of restrictive use of episiotomy is not associated with any third and fourth degree perineal tear or adverse neonatal outcomes.

Predicting perineal trauma during childbirth using data from a general obstetric population

Background: Perineal trauma is a common complication of childbirth and can have serious impacts on long-term health. Few studies have examined the combined effect of multiple risk factors. We developed and internally validated a risk prediction model to predict third and fourth degree perineal tears using data from a general obstetric population. Methods: Risk prediction model using data from all singleton vaginal deliveries at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), Ireland during 2019 and 2020. Third/fourth degree tears were diagnosed by an obstetrician or midwife at time of birth and defined as tears that extended into the anal sphincter complex or involved both the anal sphincter complex and anorectal mucosa. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection to develop the models. Candidate predictors included infant sex, maternal age, maternal body mass index, parity, mode of delivery, birthweight, post-term delivery, induction of labour and public/private antenatal care. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve C-statistic to assess discrimination, and bootstrapping techniques were used to assess internal validation. Results: Of 8,403 singleton vaginal deliveries, 8,367 (99.54%) had complete data on predictors for model development. A total of 128 women (1.53%) had a third/fourth degree tear. Three variables remained in the final model: nulliparity, mode of delivery (specifically forceps delivery or ventouse delivery) and increasing birthweight (per 100 gram increase) (C-statistic: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.79). We developed a nomogram to calculate individualised risk of third/fourth degree tears using these predictors. Bootstrapping indicated good internal performance. Conclusions: Use of our nomogram can provide an individualised risk assessment of third/fourth degree tears and potentially aid counselling of women on their potential risk.

Frequency of Perineal Trauma in Women Undergoing Spontaneous vs Directed Valsalva Type Pushing in Labour

Objective: To compare the frequency of perineal trauma in women undergoing the spontaneous vs the Valsalva-type pushing in the second stage of labour. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Duration of Study with Dates: The study was carried out from 15-12-2020 to 19-03-2021. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore.National University of Medical Sciences NUMS. Material and Methods: A total of 154 labouring females were enrolled in the study. These females were randomly assigned to one of two groups, A (the Valsava-type pushing method group) and B (the spontaneous pushing group). After the delivery of the placenta, the patients were all examined for any perineal trauma as per the operational definition. Results: Patients ranged between 18-40 years of age with a mean age of 26.3±4.0 years in Group A and 27.0±3.3 years in Group B. All the patients were between 38-40 weeks of gestation at the time of enrollment with mean gestational age being 39±0.7 weeks for group A and 38.9±0.7 for group B. There were 61 primigravida (39.6%, 34 in Group A and 27 in Group B) and 93 multigravida (60.4%, 43 in Group A and 50 in Group B). All women delivered vaginally in the cephalic presentation. The mean length of the second stage of labor was 25.7±29.0 min for the Valsalva pushing group and 31.6±37.5 min for the spontaneous pushing group. The mean fetal weight was 3.1±0.3 kg for both groups. 43 (55.8%) patients in the Valsalva pushing group and 46 (59.7%) in the spontaneous pushing group underwent an episiotomy during delivery. 9 (11.7%) patients in each group sustained perineal trauma (x2 = 0.0, p = 1.0). No one in the sample suffered greater than a second degree laceration. Out of the nine patients that did incur perineal trauma in the Valsalva type pushing group, 4 (44.4%) were first degree perineal tears and 5 (55.6%) were second degree perineal tears while among those in the spontaneous pushing group, 2 (22.3%) fell in the first degree tear category and 7 (77.7%) in the second degree tear category (x2 = 1.0, p = 0.317). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no association between the rate of perineal trauma among patients who underwent the directed Valsalva- type method of pushing and those that employed the spontaneous pushing method during the second stage of labour. Keywords: Perineal trauma, Perineal tears, Second stage of labour, Pushing methods in labour, Valsalva- type pushing, Directed pushing, Spontaneous pushing

Trial of labor after cesarean delivery for estimated large for gestational age fetuses: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveAlthough ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight ≥90th percentile is not associated with a greater risk for uterine rupture, trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) is considered relatively contraindicated for macrosomic fetuses. Hence, when an estimated fetal weight of 4000 g is detected, TOLAC is usually avoided.Our aim was to evaluate the obstetrical outcome and safety of TOLAC in women with estimated large for gestational age fetuses (eLGA) (≥90th percentile). Study DesignOur retrospective cohort study encompassed all pregnant women with an estimated fetal weight ≥90th percentile for gestational age, admitted to a single tertiary care center between January 2012-July 2017 for TOLAC. Results1949 women met the inclusion criteria; 78 (4%) eLGA and 1871 (96%) controls. Fifty-five (70.5%) women in the study group had experienced a successful vaginal delivery compared to 1506 (80.5%) of the controls (p = 0.03). The rate of obstetrical complications, including scar dehiscence, uterine rupture, a 3rd/4th degree perineal tear or shoulder dystocia were comparable. The rate of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) increased in the study group compared to the controls (7.7 % vs.1.7%; p = 0.001). ConclusionTOLAC for eLGA fetuses can be considered safe, however, lower successful rates of vaginal births after a cesarean delivery and an increased PPH rate, may be expected.

The Effect of Warm Compress and Proper Perineal Support Technique on Prevention of Severe Perineal Trauma

Introduction: Vaginal deliveries are frequently linked with genital tract damage, and rips affecting the anal sphincter or mucosa (third- and fourth-degree tears) can cause major complications. To prevent harm, several perineal methods are employed to slow down the delivery of the baby’s head and allow the perineum to extend gently. Midwives all across the globe employ massage, warm compresses, and various perineal care techniques. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of warm compress and perineal support on prevention of severe perineal trauma among primiparous women. Design: This study was a quasi-experimental study. Settings: The study settings included tertiary care hospital settings affiliated with the academic center in the UAE. Patients and Methods: Around 192 females were consecutively divided into 2 age-matched groups. Group 1 had 99 patients in which warm perineal compresses were applied in addition to perineal support, and no episiotomy was performed. There were 93 control patients in group 2 who were just given perineal support, and prophylactic episiotomy was performed. Main Outcomes Measured: Maternal risk factors such as an unhealthy perineum and short perineum were noted. The fetal risk factors such as large for gestational age, shoulder dystocia, and occipito-posterior position were also noted. Peripartum data of instrumental delivery, long stage two of delivery, oxytocin augmentation, epidural use, pushing technique, delivery position, and degree of perineal tear were also evaluated. Result: Neither maternal risk factors nor fetal factors were significant between the two groups. However, in peripartum characteristics, instrumental deliveries (17 [18.3%] vs. 0 [0%] p value <0.001) and lithotomy position (53 [57%] vs. 0 [0%] p value <0.001) were significantly more common in the control group. Other risk factors such as oxytocin augmentation, prolonged second stage, and epidural use did not differ significantly between the two groups. Warm compresses prevented severe perineal tears in group 1. Group 1 showed statistically significant (p value <0.001) reduction in severe (grade 2 and 3 tear) form of perineal injury during the second stage of labor. Conclusion: Warm perineal compresses in primigravida females during the second stage of labor may help prevent severe perineal injuries and reduce the incidence of instrumental delivery as well as lithotomy position requirement.

EP48.09: Appearance of anal sphincters 3–4 months after surgical repair of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears at 3D transanal ultrasound examination

EP48.09: Appearance of anal sphincters 3–4 months after surgical repair of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears at 3D transanal ultrasound examination

Effect of Prenatal Perineal Massage on Postpartum Perineal Injury and Postpartum Complications: A Meta-Analysis.

Background The efficacy of perineal massage is controversial. The study was aimed at comparing the effects of perineal massage on perineal injury and complications. Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science were searched for literature on the relationship between prenatal perineal massage and postpartum perineal injury and complications until April 2022. Indicators included postpartum perineal tears, perineotomy, postpartum perineal pain, natural labour, and postpartum incontinence. Finally, RevMan5.4 software was used to analyze the extracted data. Results A total of 6487 subjects in 16 studies were included, with 3211 who received perineal massage and 3276 did not. There was no significant difference in 1-2 degree perineal tearing between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.90, 1.03], P = 0.30), and there was no heterogeneity between studies (P = 0.62, I2 = 0%), indicating publication bias. Compared with the control group, prenatal perineal massage significantly reduced the incidence of 3-4 degree perineal tears (RR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.47, 0.67], P < 0.00001), and there was no heterogeneity between studies (P = 0.16, I2 = 30%), indicating publication bias. Compared with the control group, prenatal perineal massage reduced the risk of lateral perineal resection (RR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.80, 0.95], P = 0.001), and there was no heterogeneity between studies (P = 0.14, I2 = 31%), and there was no publication bias. Compared with the control group, prenatal perineal massage reduced the risk of postpartum pain at 3 months (RR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.51, 0.81], P = 0.0002). There was no significant heterogeneity among studies (P = 0.23, I2 = 31%). Conclusion Compared with no prenatal perineal massage, prenatal perineal massage can reduce the risk of perineal injury, the incidence of lateral perineal resection, and the incidence of long-term pain.

Benefits of continuous suture of perineal injury in adaptation to motherhood

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the continuous suture technique of the perineal wound on the capacity and functional recovery of women when carrying out their self-care routine, the care of the newborn (NB), breastfeeding (BF) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), both basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental (IADL), during the postpartum period. MethodsNon-randomised clinical trial with blinding allocation to study groups, carried out at the Arnau de Vilanova tertiary hospital in Lérida. The intervention group received continuous suture for perineal repair and the control group discontinuous suture. The study population was women with eutocic delivery and second-degree perineal tears or episiotomy. Three postpartum assessment were performed (48 h, 7−10 days and one month). Results126 women with eutocic delivery and second degree perineal tears or episiotomy participated (n = 126); 64 sutured with continuous technique (intervention group) and 62 with discontinuous technique (control group). At 48 h postpartum, 85% of women from the continuous suture technique group were able to perform their self-care and 46,7% of them had recovered functionally. At 7-10 days, 96,7% of women with continuous suturing had acquired the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living and 60% had recovered functionally compared to 68,3% and 15% respectively of women with discontinuous suturing (p < 0.001). At 7-10 days, 100% of women with continuous suturing achieved functional recovery for newborn care and 80% for breastfeeding and in the control group 81,7% and 30% respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). ConclusionsWomen who undergo the continuous suture technique restore their ability and functional recovery to perform activities of daily living earlier and with less pain than women with discontinuous suturing, adapting more quickly and satisfactorily way to motherhood.