Evaluation of accuracy of mediolateral episiotomy incisions using a training model

K. Silf, Natalie Woodhead, J. Kelly, A. Fryer, C. Kettle, Khaled Ismail

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16 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background
Episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. In the UK the use of episiotomy is selective, rather than routine, and a right mediolateral episiotomy (RMLE) is considered standard practice. According to The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2007) guideline for intrapartum care such an episiotomy should be cut at an angle between 45° and 60° to the vertical axis. Recent evidence suggests that the angle of incision of mediolateral episiotomy (MLE) is associated with risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS).
Objective
to assess the accuracy of individual practitioner׳s techniques when performing a RMLE.
Design
an audit of practice against nationally set standards.
Setting
at a national midwifery conference and prior to three multiprofessional perineal repair training workshops in the West Midlands region of the UK.
Participants
144 midwives and 53 obstetric trainees.
Measurements
practitioners were asked to perform a RMLE incision on a bespoke training model, which is designed to give a realistic representation of a stretched perineum at crowning of the baby׳s head. Four parameters were measured: (1) distance of the starting point from the midline; (2) angle subtended to the perpendicular; (3) length and (4) shape of the incision (curved, straight or J-shaped).
Findings
of the 197 incisions performed only 12.7% (14.6%, n=21/144 of midwives and 7.5%, n=4/53 of obstetricians) complied with the defined technique of a RMLE for correctness of angle and placement. A 2-sided Fisher׳s exact test showed no significant difference between previous attendance at perineal management training and incision accuracy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-200
JournalMidwifery
Volume31
Issue number1
Early online date2 Sept 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2015

Keywords

  • Episiotomy
  • Perineum
  • Midwifery
  • Obstetrics
  • Childbirth

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