Episiotomy /Perineal Laceration
An
episiotomy is a deliberate surgical incision made into the perineum to enlarge
the vaginal orifice (intritus) to facilitate the birth of the baby. It is a
planned surgery but often, it is performed as an emergency, because the need
for it may not be apparent until the second stage.
1.
To minimize severe spontaneous maternal trauma.
2.
Delay 2nd stage – Tear is imminent,
Disproportion, Rigid perineum, Contracted outlet, abnormal positions e.g. opp;
face to pubes delivery.
3.
Fetal distress – e.g. prolapse cord. To hasten the
delivery of the head.
4.
To facilitate vaginal and intrauterine manipulation
e.g. foreceps and intrauterine manipulation e.g. forceps delivery, ventouse
extraction, breech delivery.
5.
Preterm babies – to avoid intracranial damage.
6.
Previous complete perineal tear
7.
Primipara with big baby.
This is
a midline incision which follows the line ofinsertion of the perineal muscle.
It begins in the centre of the fourchette and directed posteriorly for about
2.5cm.
·
Causes less bleeding, because it does cut through
any big blood vessels.
·
It is easy to repair and it heals better. It is
more convinence for the woman.
·
It may extend and damage the anus (third degree
tear) or to the rectum (fourth degree tear).
·
It does not give enough room as medio-lateral for
instrumental delivery and rotation used mainly in USA.
The
incision begins in the centre of thefourchetter and directed to the right or
left of the lateral margin of the anal-sphincter, diagonally in a straight line,
at an angle of 450C between the tuberosity and the anus. It should
not be more than 4-5cm long and about 2.5cm away from the anus. This line
avoids damage to the anal sphincter and Bartholin’s gland.
·
Can not lead to 30C tear-recommended for
midwives. Use more in U.K.
·
It is more difficult to repair. Bilateral
mediolateral episiotomy are not recommended, because it can cause excessive
bleeding.
The
incision begins in the centre of the fourchette and directed posteriorly in the
midline for about 2cm and then directed laterally (at 7.Oclock) to avoid the
anus. It helps in difficult deliveries e.g. large head, shoulder dystocia or
difficult breech. It is difficult to suture and the wound tend to wrinkle.
The
incision begins about 1-2cm away from the centre of the fourchette. It cut
across the labia majora, large blood vessel and Bartholin’s duct may be
damaged.
Disadvantage
·
Causes profuse bleeding ,difficult to repair ,causes
a lot of discomfort to the woman .It has been abadoned.
Episiotomy
must be properly timed to achieve the desired goal. It is given when the
presenting part is directly applied to the tissue. If given too early it will
fail to release the presenting part and causes profuse bleeding.. If given too
late, there will be not enough time to infiltrate with local anaesthesia or the
tear might have occurred. The purpose is then defeated. The woman should be in
dorsal or lithotomy position.
Give local anaesthecia.
The
perineum should be adequately anaesthetized prior to the incision. Xylocaine or
lignocaine 0.5% 10mls or 1% 5mls is used. It takes 3-4 minute to take effect
and last for about 1 hour. So proper time is very important.
A
straight, blunt-ended pair or major’s episiotomy scissors is usually used. The
blade must be sharp to ensure a straight clean incision. Insert two fingers as
before and position the blades and cut one straight line during a contraction..
Delivery of the head should follow immediately. If thereis any delay pressure
should be applied on the wound to minimize bleeding.
Early
suturing is recommended as this prevents sepsis and poor union. The local
anaesthesia should be effective so she may not require another one for repair.
She should be in dorsal position or Lithotomy position with legs well apart and
thighs abducted buttocks at the edge of the bed or couch. The vagina is packed
to prevent obstruction by the uterine bleeding. Sterility must bemaintained. An
episiotomy is equivalent to 20c tear so it is repaired in 2 layers.
·
the vaginal wound
· the pelvic floor muscles and perineal body and the skin,
Touch the
cut area to ensure that the effect of anaesthesia has not worn off. If she
feels pains there is need to give more anaesthesia. Adjust the light for
clearer view.
Use 2-2
or 3-0 chronic catgut is prefarable because it is flexible, strong and last
long enough for healing to occur. 0-1 may also be considered in the absence of
none. Generally absorbable catgut is less painful, less tissue reaction. A
curved round body needle is used for the tissue. Continuous or uninterrupted
stitches are better, starting from the apex of the vaginal wound to the fourchette.
This is followed by the pelvic floor muscles and the perineal body. Care must
be taken not to suture the anus. Ensure that wound is properly aligned. The
sutures should not be too tight which can cause oedema, haematoma and prevent
healing. Now close the subcutaneous tissue. The skin may be sutured with
chromic 0 or 1 or non-absorbable suture with cutting edge needle. Then remove
vaginal pack insert a gloved finger into the anus to feel top of the rectum of
suture. If non-absorbable suture is made on the skin, the number should be
recorded for removal. Double check to ensure no pack or instrument is left in
the woman’s vagina. Clean her with antiseptic lotion and apply sterile pad and
make her comfortable. Advise the woman to keep her perineum clean and dry. Use
sanitary pad wash the vulva with soap and water as necessary. She should report
a week later for inspection of the wound.
·
Prevents over streching of pelvic floor muscles.
·
Reduces maternal exhaustion and incidence of PPH.
· Reduces the risk of cerebral damage to infant resulting from acidosis and hypoxia.
·
Heals faster than ragged tear.
· Prevents damage to the urethra
·
Prevent 3rd degree tear.
·
Does not extend to involve the anus-mediolateral
episiotomy.
·
Easier to suture
·
Analgesia in the first 48-72hrs.
·
Perineal toilet with savlon 1:100, 4hrly.
·
Empty bladder and bowel regularly.
·
Keep wound surface dry.
·
Sitz bath – Hibitane for 5 minutes or radiant heat
lamp for 5 minutes 2-3 times a day.
·
Inspect
daily for signs of infection and healing.
·
If wound breaks down, re-suture with non-absorbable
suture after thorough cleaning.
·
Avoid strain / constipation
·
Good diet – protein and roughages
1. Haemorrhage,Haematoma
,Infection, Dyspareunia,Temporary loss of Libido.
The scar
may necessitate episiotomy in subsequent deliveries.
2. An
unnecessary injury if given without good cause.
Perineal
laceration is a tear of the perineum which occurs during the second stage of
labour . Incidence of perineal laceration can be reduced by given maximum
control of the expulsion of the infants but it is inevitable at times.
Sign that
the perineum is liable to tear.
A midwife
should anticipate tear in cases of abnormal presentation and position which
result in larger diameter to descend the perineum and with an uncooperative
mother.
i.
Cracking or tearing of the fourchette before the
head is crowned.
ii.
Trickling of blood from the vagina
iii.
Excessive thinning and stretching of the perineum.
iv.
Oedematous rigid perineum.
1st
degree tear: Skin and the fourchettee only – midwi fe
2nd
degree tear: skin, fourchettee posterior vaginal wall, pelvic floor muscles .
3rd
degree tear: skin, fourchettee, vaginal wall, pelvic floor muscles, anal
sphincter, anal canal. Repair is done by Doctor under G.A, epidural or spinal
anesthesia.
4th
Degree tear: when the trauma extends to the rectal mucosa. Management of
perineal laceration
1.
Obtaining the woman’s cooperation.
2.
Having control of the advancing head.
3.
Getting small diameters to distend the vaginal
orifice.
4.
Preventing active extension before crowing.
5.
Keeping hand off the perineum – allow to stretch.
6.
Delivering the head and the end or between
contractions.
7.
Allowing the woman to breathe the head out.
8.
Taking care in delivering shoulders and body
9.
Timely Episiotomy
The
principle of repair is the same as episiotomy. Active management: Refer to episiotomy above.
1.
Stitches are removed 6-7 days. Alternate ones
first.
2.
The number of stitches should be checked with the
number of record.
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