Lateral episiotomy versus no episiotomy to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injury in vacuum-assisted delivery in nulliparous women: study protocol on a randomised controlled trial

Lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum assisted delivery in nulliparous women (EVA): multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of lateral episiotomy, compared with no episiotomy, on obstetric anal sphincter injury in nulliparous women requiring vacuum extraction.

DESIGN

A multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Eight hospitals in Sweden, 2017-23.

PARTICIPANTS

717 nulliparous women with a single live fetus of 34 gestational weeks or more, requiring vacuum extraction were randomly assigned (1:1) to lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy using sealed opaque envelopes. Randomisation was stratified by study site.

INTERVENTION

A standardised lateral episiotomy was performed during the vacuum extraction, at crowning of the fetal head, starting 1-3 cm from the posterior fourchette, at a 60° (45-80°) angle from the midline, and 4 cm (3-5 cm) long. The comparison was no episiotomy unless considered indispensable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of the episiotomy in vacuum assisted delivery (EVA) trial was obstetric anal sphincter injury, clinically diagnosed by combined visual inspection and digital rectal and vaginal examination. The primary analysis used a modified intention-to-treat population that included all consenting women with attempted or successful vacuum extraction. As a result of an interim analysis at significance level P<0.01, the primary endpoint was tested at 4% significance level with accompanying 96% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

From 1 July 2017 to 15 February 2023, 717 women were randomly assigned: 354 (49%) to lateral episiotomy and 363 (51%) to no episiotomy. Before vacuum extraction attempt, one woman withdrew consent and 14 had a spontaneous birth, leaving 702 for the primary analysis. In the intervention group, 21 (6%) of 344 women sustained obstetric anal sphincter injury, compared with 47 (13%) of 358 women in the comparison group (P=0.002). The risk difference was -7.0% (96% CI -11.7% to -2.5%). The risk ratio adjusted for site was 0.47 (96% CI 0.23 to 0.97) and unadjusted risk ratio was 0.46 (0.28 to 0.78). No significant differences were noted between groups in postpartum pain, blood loss, neonatal outcomes, or total adverse events, but the intervention group had more wound infections and dehiscence.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral episiotomy can be recommended for nulliparous women requiring vacuum extraction to significantly reduce the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643108.

Shifting Trends in Obstetrics: An 18-year Analysis of Low-risk Births at a German University Hospital

BACKGROUND/AIM

At the beginning of the 21st century, obstetric medicine took a turn from interventional to restrictive in low-risk birth. The present study examined the changes in peripartum management over the past 20 years at the Women's University Hospital Cologne. The attitudes of the becoming mother and physicians towards anesthesia, episiotomy, and vaginal-operative deliveries were compared and the factors influencing the duration of birth over the past 20 years were examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, the low-risk singleton birth of 955 in 2000/2001 and 944 births in 2018 at the Women's University Hospital Cologne were analyzed.

RESULTS

The age of women who tended to give birth has significantly increased at present compared to 20 years ago. In 2018, labor was induced significantly more often than in 2000/2001. The rate of vaginal operative deliveries has fluctuated between 15% and 20% in the last 20 years. Forceps are no longer used. The use of episiotomy has taken a fundamental turn in the last 20 years. Prophylactic episiotomy is not performed anymore, most vaginal operative deliveries take place without the episiotomy. The birth duration has been significantly shortened at present compared to 20 years ago.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy and childbirth over the last years are not considered as a disease, but as a natural course, and the trend of minimizing interventions in low-risk delivery has a positive effect on childbirth.

The association between episiotomy or OASIS at vacuum extraction in nulliparous women and subsequent prelabor cesarean delivery: A nationwide observational study

INTRODUCTION

Severe perineal injuries at childbirth affect women's postnatal health, including future childbirths. First births with vacuum extraction carry an increased risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Lateral or mediolateral episiotomy at vacuum extraction may decrease the risk of OASIS. Our aim was to assess whether lateral or mediolateral episiotomy, or OASIS, at vacuum extraction in nulliparous women is associated with prelabor cesarean delivery in the subsequent childbirth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a nationwide observational study using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, including women having a first birth with vacuum extraction and a second birth in 2000-2014. Both births were live, single, cephalic, ≥34 gestational weeks without malformations. The association between episiotomy or OASIS in the first birth and prelabor cesarean delivery in the second birth was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting, and interaction analysis. Main outcome measure was prelabor cesarean delivery in the second birth.

RESULTS

In total, 44 656 women with vacuum extraction at their first birth were included. The rate of prelabor cesarean delivery in the second birth was 5.9% (824 of 13 950) in women with episiotomy, compared with 6.0% (1830 of 30 706) in women without episiotomy. Thus, women with episiotomy did not have an increased risk of prelabor cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.83-1.20) compared with women without episiotomy. For comparison, the rate of prelabor cesarean delivery in the second birth was 20.6% (1275 of 6176) in women with OASIS, compared with 3.6% (1379 of 38 480) in women without OASIS (aOR 6.57, 95% CI 5.97-7.23). There was no interaction between episiotomy and OASIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral or mediolateral episiotomy at vacuum extraction in nulliparous women did not increase the risk of prelabor cesarean delivery in the subsequent childbirth. OASIS increased the odds of prelabor cesarean delivery more than sixfold.

Effect of Dry Heat Application on Perineal Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing among Primipara Women

Background

Women who undergo perineal episiotomy can be affected by several complications such as bleeding, infection, perineal pain, dyspareunia, reduction of sexual desire, as well as urinary and anal incontinence. Perineal pain related to episiotomy has been reported to interfere with women's daily activities postpartum and can prevent proper breastfeeding, proper rooming-in, and maternal-infant bonding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dry heat application on perineal pain and episiotomy wound Healing among primipara women.

Method

A quasi-experimental, two-group, pre-post-test research study was conducted at the postnatal inpatient ward and the outpatient clinic of the El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria. A sample of 100 parturient women was divided into the following two groups at random: dry heat and moist (control) heat. Women in the moist heat group were advised to sit in a basin (tub) of warm water for 10 minutes, while those in the dry heat group were instructed to set an infrared light (230 volts) at a distance of 45 cm from the perineum after 12 hours post episiotomy. Both interventions were applied twice a day for ten consecutive days. They evaluated the severity of their perineal pain at baseline and repeated it on the 5^th and 10^th days after obtaining the interventions while the episiotomy wound healing was assessed on the 5^th and 10^th days.

Results

It was discovered that the dry heat group had a significantly improved episiotomy wound healing as regards perineal redness, edema of the perineal area, ecchymosis, wound discharge, and approximation of wound edges on the 5th (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.007, P < 0.003, and P < 0.001, respectively) and 10th day after intervention (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.005, and P < 0.001, respectively) than the moist heat group. The primipara women had significantly lower perineal pain intensity in the dry heat group on the 5th and 10th days after intervention than in the moist heat group (^MH P < 0.001 for the dry heat group and ^MH P = 0.004 for the moist heat group).

Conclusion

The application of dry heat promoted episiotomy wound healing among primipara women and reduced their perineal pain during early postpartum days than moist heat.

Risk factors accounting for anal incontinence during the first year after vaginal delivery-A case control study in China

Introduction and hypothesis

Anal incontinence (AI) is a prevalent postpartum disorder. This study aims to investigate and quantify the risk factors for AI in the Chinese population during the first year following vaginal delivery.

Methods

The case control study was conducted at Peking University Third Hospital, including all women who delivered vaginally between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2018. Participants were followed up by telephone interviews 1 year after delivery. AI was defined as the involuntary loss of flatus or feces using a retrospective Jorge and Wexner score above 0. Clinical data were retrieved from the medical record system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify potential risk factors accounting for AI. Based on the logistic regression model, a nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of AI postpartum. Restricted cubic spline was utilized to explore potential non-linear relationships between birth weight and AI postpartum.

Results

Among the 140 AI and 421 none AI cases, we observed antepartum factors like every 100 g of birth weight gain (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.30-1.49), while intrapartum factors like forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (OR 7.11, 95% CI 2.60-19.45), midline episiotomy (OR 13.11, 95% CI 1.71-100.89), second-degree perineal tear (OR 6.51, 95% CI 1.16-36.68), and third to fourth-degree perineal tear were independent risk factors for postpartum AI. Significantly, infant weighing over 3,400 g at birth increased the risk of AI postpartum. Based on logistic regression model, we constructed a nomogram to estimate the risk of AI 1 year after vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that during the first year following vaginal delivery, infant with birth weight of 3,400 g or more, forceps-assisted vaginal delivery, midline episiotomy, and second to fourth-degree perineal tear increased the risk of AI. As a result, it is essential to limit the routine use of forceps and midline episiotomy and to monitor fetal weight during prenatal care.

Episiotomy in vacuum extraction, do we cut the levator ani muscle? A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Vaginal delivery may lead to levator ani muscle (LAM) injury or avulsion. Episiotomy may reduce obstetric anal sphincter injury in operative vaginal delivery, but may increase the risk of LAM injury. Our aim was to assess whether lateral episiotomy in vacuum extraction (VE) in primiparous women causes LAM injury.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 58 primiparous women with episiotomy nested within an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial of lateral episiotomy versus no episiotomy in VE (EVA trial) was carried out in Sweden. LAM injury was evaluated using 3D endovaginal ultrasound 6-12 months after delivery and Levator Ani Deficiency (LAD) score. Episiotomy scar properties were measured. Characteristics were described and compared using Chi-squared tests. We stipulated that if a lateral episiotomy cuts the LAM, ≥50% would have a LAM injury. Among those, ≥50% would be side specific. We compared the observed prevalence with a test of one proportion.

RESULTS

Twelve (20.7%, 95% CI 10.9-32.9) of 58 women had a LAD (p < 0.001, compared with the stipulated 50%). Six (50.0%, 95% CI 21.1% to 78.9%) of 12 women had a LAD on the episiotomy side, including those with bilateral LAD (p = 1.00). Two (16.7%, 95% CI 2.1% to 48.4%) of 12 women had a LAD exclusively on the episiotomy side (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no excessive risk of cutting the LAM while performing a lateral episiotomy. LAD was not seen in women with episiotomies shorter than 18 mm.

Perineal stress as a predictor of performing episiotomy in primiparous women: a prospective observational study

Background

Episiotomy is a surgical solution to relieve perineal stress, resulting in an easily repairable incision, in comparison to the risks of serious vaginal trauma during delivery. The midwife typically adopts such a clinical decision, on experience and subjective judgment. However, the association between perineal stress and episiotomy is poorly characterized. Our aim was to identify a threshold value for perineal stress leading to episiotomy, which eventually may be employed as a clinical tool for assessing whether an episiotomy is required or not.

Methods

In total, 245 nulliparous women were investigated for perineal stress during non-instrumental vaginal delivery in Ningbo Women & Children’s Hospital. During the second stage of labor, a flexible membrane stress sensor was placed between the fetal head and perineal wall above the anal fissure. Once the entire fetal head pressed against the sensor, real-time perineal stress was measured, and the peak value was recorded. Cases were divided into non-episiotomy group (n = 173) and episiotomy group (n = 72). The correlations between perineal stress and episiotomy was assessed through logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, estimated birthweight, duration of second stage of labor, maternal body mass index, and presence of analgesia. Midwives were blinded to all stress measurement values. The predictive value of perineal stress on performing episiotomy was evaluated, together with the ideal cut-off perineal stress value for performing episiotomy. A ROC analysis was also performed.

Results

The episiotomy group had significantly higher levels of perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 N versus 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). The episiotomy group was linked to significantly higher perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 VS 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). ROC analysis between perineal stress and episiotomy revealed a high area under the curve (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.86) and a cut-off value for perineal stress of 124.49 N was identified for episiotomy decision.

Conclusion

The level of perineal stress was an independent predictor of performing episiotomy in nulliparous women during non-instrumental vaginal delivery. Perineal stress exceeding 124.49 N was identified as the cut-off prompting midwives to perform episiotomy.

Anal incontinence after a prolonged second stage of labor in primiparous women

The objective was to investigate the effect of delivery mode on anal incontinence 1–2 years after delivery in primiparous women with prolonged second stage of labor. This population-based cohort and questionnaire study performed in Stockholm Region, Sweden, included 1302 primiparous women with a second stage ≥ 3 h from December 1st, 2017 through November 30th, 2018. Background characteristics and outcome data were retrieved from computerized records. Questionnaires based on Wexner score were distributed 1–2 years after delivery. Risk of anal incontinence, defined as Wexner score ≥ 2, was calculated using logistic regression and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR and aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Compared with cesarean section, vacuum extraction was associated with anal incontinence (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.21–4.18) while spontaneous delivery was not (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 0.85–2.84). Anal incontinence was independently associated with obstetric anal sphincter injuries (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.17–3.5) and 2nd degree perineal tears (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03–1.81) compared with no or 1st degree perineal tear. Obstetric anal sphincter injury at vacuum extraction inferred the highest risk of anal incontinence (aOR 4.06, 95% CI 1.80–9.14), compared with cesarean section. Increasing duration of the prolonged second stage did not affect the risk.

French guidelines for restrictive episiotomy during instrumental delivery were not followed by an increase in obstetric anal sphincter injury

The objective was to assess the influence of the French guidelines in favor of a restrictive use of episiotomy on both episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) rates during instrumental delivery. It was aulticenter study involving 193 maternities between 2000 and 2016. We included women with a singleton pregnancy, with cephalic presentation at 34 weeks of gestation or more who underwent an instrumental delivery. The study period was divided into three phases: 2000-2005 (reference) 2006-2011, and 2012-2016. We calculated the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of episiotomy and OASI and investigated for changes in episiotomy and OASI rates over time by using Prais-Winsten regression. We considered 96,035 deliveries. The episiotomy's risk was lower in 2006-2011 (69.4%) and 2012-2016 (59.1%) compared to 2000-2005 (81.2%), respectively: aRR 0.93 [0.92-0.95] and 0.89 [0.87-0.90]. The OASI's risk was higher in 2006-2011 (2.5%) and 2012-2016 (3.1%) compared to 2000-2005, respectively: aRR 1.30 [1.10-1.53]) and 1.57 [1.33-1.85]. However, Prais-Winsten regression showed no difference in the OASI rate during the study period. We observed a massive decrease in episiotomy use and a moderate increase in crude OASI's rate but multivariate analysis failed to report an association between these outcomes.

Risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury among nulliparous of advanced maternal age

OBJECTIVE

Data regarding the risk factors for obstetrical anal sphincter injury (OASI) among nulliparous advanced maternal age (AMA) women are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors and the rate of OASI in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of nulliparous women aged ≥35 who delivered vaginally between March 2011 and August 2021. The study cohort included nulliparous AMA women, aged 35 years or older, delivering vaginally a singleton, vertex neonate. We excluded cases with missing data. Maternal and intrapartum characteristics were compared between OASI and no-OASI groups. We matched groups to the earliest gestational age in which OASI has occurred.

RESULTS

A total of 3,635 women met inclusion criteria. Mean age of the participants was 38 years (range 35-56, interquartile range 36-39). The oldest age in which an OASI was diagnosed was 45. A total of 55 (1.5%) cases of OASI were diagnosed. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the OASI group compared to the no-OASI group (mean 39^6/7±1^2/7 vs. 39^1/7±2^3/7 weeks respectively, p=.039). The rate of induction of labor, oxytocin and epidural analgesia, prolonged second stage, mode of delivery, and rate of blood transfusion did not vary between groups. Estimated fetal weight was higher in the OASI group (3,324 ± 308 vs. 3,114 ± 566 g, p<.001). Sonographic abdominal circumference was higher in the OASI group (338 ± 13 vs. 328 ± 28 mm, p<.001). Mean birthweight was higher in the OASI group (3,286 ± 400 vs. 3,059 ± 541 g, p=.002) and the birthweight centile was higher as well (60 ± 26 vs. 52 ± 25, p=.024).In a multivariable regression analysis including birthweight, gestational age, operative vaginal delivery, epidural anesthesia, and hypertensive disorders-birthweight and hypertensive disorder were positively associated with an OASI odds ratio [OR 95% CI 1.6 (1.1-2.32) for every 500 g increase; 2.42 (1.006-5.82), respectively]. Epidural anesthesia was negatively associated with OASI [OR 95% CI 0.49) 0.27-0.87)].

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anesthesia is the only modifiable risk factor and is protective against OASI among nulliparous AMA women. Birthweight and hypertensive disorders are also independent predictors of OASI in this population.

Attitudes and knowledge regarding episiotomy use and technique in vacuum extraction: A web-based survey among doctors in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

Correct episiotomy use and technique may prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries. We aimed to explore the attitudes, use, and technique regarding episiotomy among doctors in Sweden, and their willingness to contribute to a randomized controlled trial of lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum extraction in nulliparous women.

STUDY DESIGN

A web-based survey was sent to members of the Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 2140). The survey included 31 questions addressing personal characteristics, use of episiotomy, a two-dimensional picture on which the respondents drew an episiotomy, and questions regarding attitudes towards episiotomy and participation in a randomized controlled trial. We calculated the proportion of supposedly protective episiotomies (fulfilling criteria of a lateral or mediolateral episiotomy and a length ≥ 30 mm). We compared the results between obstetricians, gynecologists, and residents using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests for differences between groups, and logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of drawing a protective episiotomy.

RESULTS

We received 432 responses. Doctors without a vacuum delivery in the past year were excluded, leaving 384 respondents for further analyses. In all, 222 (57.8%) doctors reported use of episiotomy in<50% of vacuum extractions. We obtained 308 illustrated episiotomies with a median angle of 53°, incision point distance from the midline of 21 mm, and length of 36 mm, corresponding to a lateral episiotomy. Few doctors combined these parameters correctly resulting in 167 (54.2%) incorrectly drawn episiotomies. Residents drew shorter episiotomies than obstetricians and gynecologists. Doctors ranked episiotomy the least important intervention to prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries in vacuum extraction. Doctors contributing to an ongoing randomized controlled trial of lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum extraction were more able to draw a protective episiotomy (OR 3.69, 95% confidence interval 1.94-7.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Doctors in Sweden reported restrictive use of episiotomy in vacuum extraction and depicted lateral type episiotomies, although the majority were incorrectly drawn. Preventive episiotomy was ranked of low importance. Our results imply a need for education, training, and guidelines to increase uptake of correct episiotomy technique, which could result in improved prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Which elements were significant in reducing obstetric anal sphincter injury? A prospective follow-up study

Background

To examine which elements of an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) care bundle were protective for OASI. Several interventional trials showed that application of a care bundle involving a hands-on approach to perineal protection may reduce the risk of OASI. Previously, we found that only the element “hand on the fetal head” in itself was protective, although the risk of a type 2 error was calculated to be 50%.

Methods

A prospective follow-up study in an obstetric department in Denmark with 3200 deliveries per year. We included a cohort of 10,383 women giving birth vaginally from gestational week 22 + 0 from 2016 through 2019. We documented on a person-level the five elements of the care bundle together with maternal and obstetrical characteristics. The elements were 1) communication, 2) visible perineum, 3) hand on fetal head, 4) perineal support and 5) certification. Regression analysis was used for analysis of associations. The primary outcome measure was OASI.

Results

The total rate of OASI in vaginally delivering women was 1.9%. The incidence was 3.2% in nulliparous women giving birth vaginally. The rate of cesarean section was 16.5% and for episiotomy 2.4%. The reduction in the incidence of OASI was sustained since 2013. Hand on the fetal head and perineal support both were protective factors for OASI. In case of a nulliparous woman with a neonate weighing 3500 g giving birth spontaneously, the relative risk (RR) for OASI was 0.50 (95% CI 0.49- 0.51) with use of hand on the fetal head together with perineal support against no use. Similarly, with a nulliparous woman giving birth to a neonate of 3500 g by vacuum extraction, the RR for OASI was 0.65 (95% CI 0.62-0.68) against no use.

Conclusions

Both hand on the fetal head and perineal support were associated with a reduced risk of OASI.

Episiotomy or not? Midwives' experiences of recruiting to a randomized controlled trial during pregnancy and labor - A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The performance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is dependent on recruitment. Recruiting women to RCTs regarding interventions during childbirth may be difficult due to time constraints and their vulnerable situation. Midwives play a major role in such recruitment. Few studies have investigated the views and experiences of recruiters. The aim of this study was to describe midwives' experiences of recruiting pregnant women regarding an RCT of lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum-assisted delivery.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, 19 midwives were interviewed regarding their experiences. The midwives worked at antenatal health care centers or labor wards. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Four categories appeared during the analysis, including "experiences and perceptions of providing trial information" and "the right timing in providing trial information," which varied among the midwives. Midwives' perceptions of how the women provided consent or declined participation, and the women's views and questions about the randomization and intervention, were summarized as "experiences of how the trial information was received by the women." In the final category, "perceived trial apprehensions and concerns," some midwives described ethical concerns related to the intervention and financial compensation to the staff involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Midwives as recruiters would benefit from education and training in incorporating basic and advanced details of trial design and research methods, as well as training and support in recruitment. Awareness and management of the variation among potential recruiters is important when designing and performing an RCT.

Women's experiences of receiving information about and consenting or declining to participate in a randomized controlled trial involving episiotomy in vacuum-assisted delivery: a qualitative study

Background

Information about and invitation to participate in a clinical trial involving an intervention during childbirth may cause fear or worry in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to describe nulliparous women’s experiences of receiving an invitation to participate in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of lateral episiotomy versus no episiotomy in vacuum-assisted delivery (EVA trial).

Methods

This qualitative study was nested in the ongoing EVA trial. Data were collected through semistructured telephone interviews with 23 women regarding their experiences of the information and invitation to participate in the EVA trial. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interview contents.

Results

Three main experience categories were identified among the participants. “Timing of trial information and understanding” revealed that women preferred to obtain information about the trial early on during pregnancy. “Reasons to consent to or decline participation in the trial” encompassed a variety of reasons for women to consent, such as goodwill for science or personal benefits, or to decline, such as not wanting to be randomized or fear of increased risk of having a vacuum-assisted delivery. “Thoughts evoked regarding childbirth” were diverse, ranging from not being affected at all to having increased anxiety.

Conclusions

The women’s experience of receiving an invitation to participate in an RCT of episiotomy in vacuum-assisted delivery varied widely, from immediately giving consent without further worries to increased anxiety or declining participation. Early and personal information with time for reflection was considered most satisfactory.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02643108. Registered on December 28, 2015. The Lateral Episiotomy or Not in Vacuum Assisted Delivery in Non-parous Women (EVA) trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Temporal trends in obstetric anal sphincter injury from the first vaginal delivery in Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are severe complications that can cause considerable short- and long-term morbidity. Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden have similar socio-economic characteristics, and all four countries have access to national birth registers. In this study, we hypothesized that the incidence of OASI should be very similar for different obstetric scenarios in these four countries. Therefore, the aim was to compare the incidence of OASI in these four countries in primiparous women, with spontaneous or instrumental delivery (vacuum or forceps), and in women with a first vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aggregated data on 1 933 930 vaginally delivered primiparous women and women with VBAC were retrieved from the birth registers gathered in Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden. The annual rate of OASI (ICD-10 codes O70.2-O70.3) was presented as the percentage of women with a spontaneous delivery, vacuum or forceps delivery, and a VBAC during the period 2004-2016.

RESULTS

The incidence of OASI varied considerably between countries and over time. Canada and Sweden had the highest rates, and Austria and Norway the lowest. In Norway, the rate of OASI decreased consistently for all types of deliveries after introducing a perineal protection program in 2004 (p < 0.001). During vacuum delivery, the incidence of OASI varied between countries from 4.1% to 15.5% across the study period. In Canada and Norway, the rate of OASI after a forceps delivery was similar in 2004 at ~20% and with differing trajectories to 24.3% (β 0.49) and 6.2% (β -1.15) (trend, all p < 0.001) in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

This comparative register study suggests that there may be considerable potential for lowering the incidence of OASI. The perineal protection program implemented by Norway has been successful. Each country should critically, without prejudice, analyze their current clinical practices and rate of OASI and consider the best preventive strategy.

Pelvic floor dysfunction one year after first childbirth in relation to perineal tear severity

The aims of this study were to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms one year after delivery and investigate whether adverse functional outcomes after childbirth were related to the degree of perineal injury. A prospective cohort of 776 primiparas were included. Self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire. Women with no/first-degree injuries, second-degree injuries, third-/fourth-degree injuries (obstetric anal sphincter injury, OASI) and cesarean section were compared. A total of 511 women (66%) responded. Second-degree tears were a risk factor for stress incontinence (aOR 2.6 (95% CI 1.3–5.1)). Cesarean section was protective against stress incontinence (aOR 0.2 (95% CI 0.1–0.9)). OASI was a risk factor for urge incontinence (aOR 4.8 (95% CI 1.6–15)), prolapse (aOR 7.7 (95% CI 2.1–29)) and pelvic pain (OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.1–10)). Dyspareunia was reported by 38% of women, 63% of women in the OASI group (aOR 3.1 (95% CI 1.1–9.0)). Women with OASI reported that the injury affected daily life (OR 18 (95% CI 5.1–59)). Pelvic floor dysfunction is common after childbirth, even in women with moderate injury. Women with OASI had significantly higher risks of symptoms of prolapse, urge urinary incontinence, pain, dyspareunia and impacts on daily life.

The perception and knowledge about episiotomy: A cross-sectional survey involving healthcare workers in a low- and middle-income country

BACKGROUND

Episiotomy was introduced into clinical practice without clear evidence of its benefits.The knowledge and understanding of episiotomy guidelines and practice by healthcare workers is substandard in our setting; hence, the injudicious use of this procedure have led to high rates.

AIM

To assess the knowledge, perception and practice of episiotomy by healthcare workers.

SETTING

Research was conducted in a Pietermaritzburg complex, South AfricaMethods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted amongst healthcare workers regarding episiotomy practice. In addition to providing demographic data, the participants were requested to respond to 35 proposed statements regarding episiotomy practice. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-two midwives and 66 medical practitioners completed the questionnaires. There were variations in responses to several statements on episiotomy practice by medical practitioners and nurses based on their level of experience. This study found that the majority of HCWs did not have access to a protocol or policy on episiotomy practice in their units; furthermore, nor knowledge of the South African guidelines for maternity care on episiotomy practice. Significantly, more medical practitioners felt a need for more in-service training and an increase in the number of episiotomies performed under supervision. The commonly reported reason for performing an episiotomy by both medical practitioners and midwives was to reduce 3rd - 4th degree perineal tears.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare workers in our setting displayed poor knowledge about the practice of episiotomy and were not aware of existing national guidelines on episiotomy practice.

Obstetric anal sphincter injury after episiotomy in vacuum extraction: an epidemiological study using an emulated randomised trial approach

OBJECTIVE

To emulate a randomised controlled trial investigating whether lateral or mediolateral episiotomy compared with no episiotomy reduces the prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in nulliparous women delivered with vacuum extraction.

DESIGN

A population-based observational study.

SETTING

Sweden.

POPULATION

63 654 nulliparous women delivered with vacuum extraction derived from the Swedish Medical Birth Register 2000-2011, with a live singleton baby with no known malformations in cephalic presentation in gestational week ≥34⁺⁰ , and subject to lateral or mediolateral episiotomy or no episiotomy.

METHODS

The effect of episiotomy was calculated using a causal doubly robust estimation method based on propensity scores. Results are presented as the average treatment effect and numbers needed to treat (NNT).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

OASIS (third- and fourth-degree perineal injury) in nulliparous women delivered with vacuum extraction.

RESULTS

Episiotomy was associated with a reduction in OASIS from 15.5% to 11.8%, average treatment effect of -3.66% (95% CI -4.31 to -3.01) and NNT 27. Third-degree perineal injuries were reduced from 14.0% to 10.9% (-3.08, 95% CI -3.71 to -2.42) with NNT 32. Fourth-degree perineal injuries were reduced from 1.6% to 1.0 % (-0.58%, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.37) with NNT 172.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral or mediolateral episiotomy reduced the prevalence of OASIS in nulliparous women delivered with vacuum extraction, compared to women with no episiotomy.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

To prevent one case of OASIS in first-time mothers delivered with vacuum, 27 episiotomies had to be performed.