Evaluation of the Episiotomy Scissors Attached with an Adjusted Angle Plate for Mediolateral Episiotomy on the Occurrence of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries
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Abstract
Objectives: To assess the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) and the angle after repair following mediolateral episiotomy performed with episiotomy scissors attached with an adjusted angle plate
Materials and Methods: The study group comprises 153 primiparous women at 37-42 weeks of gestation delivered between December 2022 and July 2023 in the labor room, Taksin Hospital. Scissors with a 60-degree adjusted angle plate were applied. Suture angles were recorded on transparent sheet and analyzed. Before suturing, a rectal exam was done to check for OASI.
Results: Of 153 primiparous women were recruited into the present study, the mean gestational age was 38.56 ± 1.06 weeks, the mean birthweight was 2,990.82 ± 327.39 grams. The mean post-suturing episiotomy angles were 44.92 ± 5.88 degrees (95 % confidence interval 44-45.9). The change in angle decreased from before cutting by 15.07±5.88 degrees. No cases of OASI were detected.
Conclusion: During childbirth, mediolateral episiotomy is performed using scissors attached to a 60-degree adjusted angle plate to cut the perineum. The mean perineal angle after suture repair was 44.9 degrees, a decrease of 15 degrees. No anal sphincter injury was detected.
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