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Eggebø TM, Rygh AB, von Brandis P, Skjeldestad FE. Prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries with perineal support and lateral episiotomy: A historical cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:488-497. [PMID: 38053429 PMCID: PMC10867358 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are many risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) and the interaction between these risk factors is complex and understudied. The many observational studies that have shown a reduction of OASIS rates after implementation of perineal support have short follow-up time. We aimed to study the effect of integration of active perineal support and lateral episiotomy on OASIS rates over a 15-year period and to study interactions between risk factors known before delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a historical cohort study over the periods 1999-2006 and 2007-2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. The main outcome was OASIS rates. Women without a previous cesarean section and a live singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term were eligible. The department implemented in 2007 the Finnish concept of active perineal protection, which includes support of perineum, control of fetal expulsion, good communication with the mother and observation of perineal stretching. The practice of mediolateral episiotomy was replaced with lateral episiotomy when indicated. We analyzed the OASIS rates in groups with and without episiotomy stratified for delivery mode, fetal position at delivery and for parity, and adjusted for possible confounders (maternal age, gestational age, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia). RESULTS We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates from 4.9% to 1.9% and an increase in episiotomy rates from 14.4% to 21.8%. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with instrumental vaginal deliveries and occiput anterior (OA) position; 3.4% vs 10.1% (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.24-0.40) and 6.1 vs 13.9% (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.82) in women with occiput posterior (OP) position. Lateral episiotomy was also associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with spontaneous deliveries and OA position; 2.1% vs 3.2% (OR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49-0.80). The possible confounders had little confounding effects on the risk of OASIS in groups with and without episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates after implementation of preventive procedures. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with an instrumental delivery. Special attention should be paid to deliveries with persistent OP position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjørn M. Eggebø
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway
| | - Astrid Betten Rygh
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway
| | - Phillip von Brandis
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway
| | - Finn Egil Skjeldestad
- Research Group Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Community MedicineUiT the Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
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Regional and clinical guidelines for prevention and care of obstetric anal sphincter injuries - A critical frame analysis. Midwifery 2023; 119:103608. [PMID: 36739637 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Policy documents govern how the prevention and care of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are implemented. Thus, in the absence of Swedish national guidelines on OASIS, differing views may be visible in the regional and local policy documents. Therefore, we aimed to analyse regional and local policies, guidelines, and care programs on the prevention of OASIS and care for OASIS-affected women in a Swedish context by applying a critical frame analysis inspired by Verloo. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional study of existing policy documents from Swedish healthcare regions was performed. The documents were analysed using Verloo's critical frame analysis. FINDINGS We found that OASIS was framed as a preventable problem addressed by skilled protective manoeuvres of the healthcare staff. Education, communication, and teamwork were three frames of crucial solutions to minimise the prevalence of OASIS. However, complicating power dimensions between professional groups and between professionals and birthing women were identified. Furthermore, several discursive struggles were found, predominantly regarding the scientific evidence for the suggested prevention and care. CONCLUSION The policy documents emphasised that OASIS is preventable, and improved education, communication, and teamwork could diminish the OASIS prevalence. Nevertheless, power dimensions and discursive struggles may challenge the preventive efforts. Furthermore, each Swedish region has the sovereignty to develop its policies, which was reflected in our findings and may imply inequities in care provision. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop comprehensive national high-quality guidelines of high quality for OASIS prevention and care so that all women giving birth have access to equal care and treatment in Sweden.
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Doumouchtsis SK, de Tayrac R, Lee J, Daly O, Melendez-Munoz J, Lindo FM, Cross A, White A, Cichowski S, Falconi G, Haylen B. An International Continence Society (ICS)/ International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) joint report on the terminology for the assessment and management of obstetric pelvic floor disorders. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:1-42. [PMID: 36443462 PMCID: PMC9834366 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The terminology of obstetric pelvic floor disorders should be defined and reported as part of a wider clinically oriented consensus. METHODS This Report combines the input of members of two International Organizations, the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA). The process was supported by external referees. Appropriate clinical categories and a sub-classification were developed to give coding to definitions. An extensive process of 12 main rounds of internal and 2 rounds of external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by consensus. RESULTS A terminology report for obstetric pelvic floor disorders, encompassing 357 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically-based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it usable by different specialty groups and disciplines involved in the study and management of pregnancy, childbirth and female pelvic floor disorders. Clinical assessment, investigations, diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatments are major components. Illustrations have been included to supplement and clarify the text. Emerging concepts, in use in the literature and offering further research potential but requiring further validation, have been included as an Appendix. As with similar reports, interval (5-10 year) review is anticipated to maintain relevance of the document and ensure it remains as widely applicable as possible. CONCLUSION A consensus-based Terminology Report for obstetric pelvic floor disorders has been produced to support clinical practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios K. Doumouchtsis
- grid.419496.7Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Epsom, UK
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XSt. George’s University of London, London, UK
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
- grid.464520.10000 0004 0614 2595School of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
- School of Medicine, Ross University, Miramar, FL USA
| | - Renaud de Tayrac
- grid.411165.60000 0004 0593 8241Nimes University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Joseph Lee
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Oliver Daly
- grid.417072.70000 0004 0645 2884Western Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joan Melendez-Munoz
- grid.411295.a0000 0001 1837 4818Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Fiona M. Lindo
- grid.63368.380000 0004 0445 0041Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Angela Cross
- grid.415534.20000 0004 0372 0644Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amanda White
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Sara Cichowski
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Gabriele Falconi
- grid.413009.fComplex Operative Unit of Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernard Haylen
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Schmidt PC, Fenner DE. Repair of episiotomy and obstetrical perineal lacerations (first-fourth). Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022:S0002-9378(22)00541-5. [PMID: 37427859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Perineal injury after vaginal delivery is common, affecting up to 90% of women. Perineal trauma is associated with both short- and long-term morbidity, including persistent pain, dyspareunia, pelvic floor disorders, and depression, and may negatively affect a new mother's ability to care for her newborn. The morbidity experienced after perineal injury is dependent on the type of laceration incurred, the technique and materials used for repair, and the skill and knowledge of the birth attendant. After all vaginal deliveries, a systematic evaluation including visual inspection and vaginal, perineal, and rectal exams is recommended to accurately diagnose perineal lacerations. Optimal management of perineal trauma after vaginal birth includes accurate diagnosis, appropriate technique and materials used for repair, providers experienced in perineal laceration repair, and close follow-up. In this article, we review the prevalence, classification, diagnosis, and evidence supporting different closure methods for first- through fourth-degree perineal lacerations and episiotomies. Recommended surgical techniques and materials for different perineal laceration repairs are provided. Finally, best practices for perioperative and postoperative care after advanced perineal trauma are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton C Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Dee E Fenner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Wong KW, Thakar R, Sultan AH, Andrews V. Can transperineal ultrasound improve the diagnosis of obstetric anal sphincter injuries? Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:2809-2814. [PMID: 35916899 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Women with missed obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are at an increased risk of anal incontinence. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) compared with clinical examination for detecting OASIs. METHODS A cross-sectional study of women undergoing their first vaginal delivery. Perineal trauma was initially assessed by the doctor or midwife performing the delivery (accoucheur) and women were then re-examined by the trained research fellow (KW). A 3D TPUS was performed immediately after delivery before suturing to identify OASIs. The research fellow's clinical diagnosis was used as the reference standard. A power calculation determined that 216 women would be required for the study. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-four women participated and 226 (86%) delivered vaginally. Twenty-one (9%) sustained OASIs. Six (29%) of these tears were missed by the accoucheur but were identified by the research fellow. TPUS identified 19 of the 21 (90.5%) OASIs. One percent (n = 2) had sonographic appearances of an anal sphincter defect that was not seen clinically. The positive and negative predictive value of TPUS to detect OASIs was 91% and 99% respectively. TPUS identified 91% of OASIs compared with 71% detected by the accoucheur, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The detection rate of OASIs with TPUS and with the clinical findings of the accoucheur was similar. Given the training and financial implications needed for TPUS, attention needs to be focused on the training of midwives and doctors to identify anal sphincter injuries by clinical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Woon Wong
- University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH, UK.,Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ranee Thakar
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Abdul H Sultan
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Vasanth Andrews
- University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH, UK.
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Wong KW, Thakar R, Andrews V, Sultan AH. Is there a role for transperineal ultrasound imaging of the anal sphincter immediately after primary repair of third degree tears? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 271:260-264. [PMID: 35255362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.02.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When obstetric anal sphincter injuries are identified, it is crucial that the defects are repaired appropriately to achieve a better outcome. Although the presence of an intact anal sphincter is not the sole mechanism for maintaining continence, and not all women with an anal sphincter defect are symptomatic, there is an association between sphincter defects and anal incontinence. Our aim was to evaluate whether transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is useful in assessing anal sphincter integrity immediately following primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs). STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective observational study of women who sustained OASIs during their first vaginal delivery. Three dimensional (3D) TPUS was performed immediately after repair of OASIs to identify anal sphincter defects. A repeat TPUS was performed 12 weeks following repair. RESULTS 21 women sustained OASIs of whom 20 (95%) attended follow up. Eight (40%) had a grade 3a tear and 12 (60%) a 3b tear. 8/20 (40%) women had residual external anal sphincter (EAS) defects identified by TPUS immediately after repair. Of these eight defects, six (75%) persisted at 12 weeks postpartum. No new defects were seen at follow up among the twelve women in whom no defect was seen immediately following the repair. Six residual EAS defects were found at 12 weeks postpartum. An EAS defect at 12 weeks postpartum was associated with anal incontinence (p = 0.04). Women with 3b tears were more likely to have anal incontinence (AI) and residual sonographic EAS defects when compared with 3a tears but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Women who had no TPUS defect detected immediately following primary repair of OASIs, remained as such at 12 weeks postpartum. Of those in whom a defect was seen immediately after repair, it persisted in 75% of cases at 12 weeks. We believe that the value of TPUS immediately after repair appears to be limited and would need to be defined if it were to be considered for routine practice. Further research on its role immediately after repair of major tears (Grade 3C/4) is needed. In addition, performing ultrasound would require widespread training of obstetricians to develop expertise. This highlights the importance of adequate training of obstetricians in OASI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Woon Wong
- University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK; Urogynaecology & Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Unit, Croydon University Hospital, Surrey, UK
| | - Ranee Thakar
- Urogynaecology & Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Unit, Croydon University Hospital, Surrey, UK; St George's University of London, UK
| | | | - Abdul H Sultan
- Urogynaecology & Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Unit, Croydon University Hospital, Surrey, UK; St George's University of London, UK.
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Hammond RK, Naidoo TD. The knowledge and perceptions of healthcare workers regarding obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. A practice audit from a resource-constrained setting. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100021. [PMID: 36277460 PMCID: PMC9563464 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2021.100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVE STUDY DESIGN RESULTS CONCLUSION
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall Kegan Hammond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Corresponding author: Randall Kegan Hammond, MbChB, FCOG, MMed.
| | - Thinagrin Dhasarathun Naidoo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Diaz MP, Simpson N, Brown A, Diorgu FC, Steen M. Effectiveness of structured education and training in perineal wound assessment and repair for midwives and midwifery students: A review of the literature. Eur J Midwifery 2021; 5:13. [PMID: 34046559 PMCID: PMC8135602 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/134511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perineal trauma is a commonly observed complication of childbirth, affecting more than 75% of women who have a vaginal birth. Perineal trauma is associated with significant short- and long-term comorbidities that negatively impact women's quality of life. Severe perineal trauma (SPT) rates in Australia have almost doubled in the last decade. Reasons for increased rates are not completely understood; some researchers suggest improvements in diagnosis and reporting, while others have a view that it may be due to a lack of structured and standardized education in perineal wound assessment and repair for clinicians. METHODS The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was adopted as a systemic process to identify studies that have investigated the effectiveness of perineal wound assessment and repair education and training for midwives and midwifery students. RESULTS Five studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, to have evaluated a type of education or training, on childbirth-related perineal wound assessment and repair that included midwives and midwifery students. A total of 1279 midwives and midwifery students volunteered to participate in all five studies. The length of the education or training implemented varied between each study from a 1-day workshop to 100 hours of education. All five studies measured the effectiveness of each program through changes in participants' confidence, knowledge and skills in perineal assessment and repair before and after an intervention using various self-assessment questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a structured educational workshop on perineal wound assessment and repair improves the confidence, skills and knowledge of midwives and students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica P Diaz
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Naomi Simpson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Angela Brown
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Faith C Diorgu
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Mary Steen
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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“Taken by surprise” - Women's experiences of the first eight weeks after a second degree perineal tear at childbirth. Midwifery 2020; 87:102748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Steen
- Professor of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia
| | - Monica Diaz
- Research and clinical midwife, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia and Women and Children's Hospital, Adelaide
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Zimmo K, Laine K, Fosse E, Zimmo M, Ali-Masri H, Zucknick M, Vikanes Å, Hassan S. Episiotomy practice in six Palestinian hospitals: a population-based cohort study among singleton vaginal births. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021629. [PMID: 30012790 PMCID: PMC6082490 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the rates, characteristics and indications for episiotomy among women delivering vaginally for the first time, as well as parous women. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, population-based birth cohort study. SETTING Obstetric departments in six Palestinian government hospitals. PARTICIPANTS All women with singleton vaginal births (n=29 165) from 1 March 2015 until 1 March 2016. METHODS All women were divided into two groups: first vaginal birth group (n=9108), including primiparous women and women with their first vaginal birth after one caesarean section, and the parous group (n=20 057). Each group was analysed separately. Data were presented as numbers and percentages or range. Differences in rates were assessed by the p values of χ2 test, or Fisher's exact test if there are cell counts less than 5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Episiotomy rates and indications among women of singleton births. RESULTS The overall episiotomy rate was 28.7%: 78.8% for women with first vaginal birth (range 56.6%-86.0%) and 5.9% for parous women (range 1.0%-9.5%). The most common indications for episiotomy were 'primiparity' in the first vaginal birth group (69.9%) and 'protecting the perineum' in the parous group (59.5%). The least common indications were prolonged second stage (1.5%) and fetal distress (6.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION In Palestine, the majority of women who delivered vaginally for the first time had an episiotomy. Education of birth attendants, clinical audits, educational interventions and adherence to the updated guidelines may help to decrease the routine overuse of episiotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaled Zimmo
- Department of Obstetrics, Al Aqsa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katariina Laine
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Fosse
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mohammed Zimmo
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics, Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Hadil Ali-Masri
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics, Palestine Medical Complex, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Manuela Zucknick
- Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse Vikanes
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sahar Hassan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
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Ali-Masri H, Hassan S, Ismail K, Zimmo K, Zimmo M, Fosse E, Vikanes Å, Laine K. Enhancing recognition of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in six maternity units in Palestine: an interventional quality improvement study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020983. [PMID: 29921684 PMCID: PMC6009514 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of a training intervention on obstetric anal sphincter injuries' (OASIS) detection rate. DESIGN Prospective quality improvement interventional study. SETTING Six secondary and tertiary maternity units in Palestine. POPULATION Women having singleton vaginal births ≥23 weeks' gestation or babies weighing ≥500 g (n=22 922). Caesarean births (n=5431), multiple gestations (n=443) and vaginal births of unregistered perineum status (n=800) were excluded. INTERVENTIONS Training programme for enhancing OASIS detection was conducted between 31 January and 31 December 2015. International experts delivered 2-day standardisation workshop teaching OASIS diagnosis and repair to each maternity unit. They also provided additional training to three research fellows employed in three of the maternity units. This was followed by 13-week period of data collection (phase 1). Research fellows then delivered training intervention over 15-week interval (phase 2), including theoretical teaching and 'onsite' training in perineal trauma assessment within the six maternity units. Finally, 13-week postintervention observation (phase 3) followed. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE OASIS rates were used as surrogate for OASIS recognition. OASIS rates were compared between different phases and between the two maternity unit groups (research fellow and non-research fellow based) using Pearson's χ² test. RESULTS A total 22 922 women were included. Among primiparous women, OASIS rate was higher in phase 2 (2.8%, p<0.001) and phase 3 (3.1%, p<0.001) than phase 1 (0.5%). However, no significant differences were detected in the rates of severe OASIS (third-degree 3c and fourth-degree tears) between phase 1 and 2 (0.5% vs 0.3%), because this would have required at least 103 women with severe OASIS to be included in each phase. Among parous women, OASIS rate was significantly higher in phase 2 (0.6%, p=0.002) but not in phase 3 (0.4%, p=0.071) compared with phase 1 (0.2%). Research fellows' maternity units showed higher OASIS rates among primiparous women in phase 2 (3.6% vs 1.4%, p=0.001) and phase 3 (4.3% vs 0.8%, p<0.001) than non-research fellows' maternity units. CONCLUSIONS This work is basically an epidemiological study which has identified the prevalence of perineal lacerations and their severity on a large sample of women representative of an entire geographical ethnic region. The quality improvement intervention improved OASIS detection mainly in the research fellows' maternity units. Regular mandatory national programmes in obstetric perineal trauma assessment and management by local champions are essential to mitigate the risk of missing significant degrees of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadil Ali-Masri
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics, Palestine Medical Complex, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Sahar Hassan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Khaled Ismail
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kaled Zimmo
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics, Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Zimmo
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics, Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Erik Fosse
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse Vikanes
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katariina Laine
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute for Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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