Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: January-March | Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 67-73
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20230106
A Randomised Comparative Study of Continuous Versus Interrupted Suturing of Right Mediolateral Episiotomy
Dr. Sapna Bharti1, Dr. Meenakshi Kandoria2, Dr. Geetika Gupta Syal3
1,2,3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kamla Nehru State Hospital for Mother & Child, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sapna Bharti
ABSTRACT
Background: The technique of suturing perineal trauma following childbirth may have a significant effect on the extent and degree of postpartum maternal morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare continuous and interrupted suturing methods of right mediolateral episiotomy in terms of puerperal morbidity in women at Kamla Nehru State Hospital For Mother And Child, Shimla.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kamla Nehru State Hospital for Mother and Child, IGMC Shimla for a period of one year where two hundred seventy pregnant females at term were recruited for study after informed consent and satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only two hundred seven cases could complete the study. Rest was lost to follow up and hence were dropped from study. They were randomized in two groups: group A where the episiotomy was stitched by the continuous technique; group B had their episiotomy was repaired by the interrupted method.
Findings: Continuous suturing gave better results in terms of healing (REEDA score) as compared to interrupted suturing technique at two hours, twenty four hours and forty eight hours postpartum (p value<0.001). Less pain was experienced by patients in the continuous group as compared to patients in the interrupted group at two hours, twenty four hours, forty eight hours postpartum in lying, sitting position and while walking (p value<0.001). The time required to repair episiotomy, number of suture packets required was less in continuous as compared to interrupted episiotomy (p value<0.001).
Interpretation: It was concluded that continuous suturing is a better method compared to the conventional interrupted technique of repair of RMLE. The continuous technique causes less discomfort to women in the postpartum period as compared to the interrupted method. Not only does it cause less pain immediately and in later hours and days postpartum but, it also gives better healing results.
Keywords: Episiotomy, continuous versus interrupted suturing, right mediolateral episiotomy