Publication:

Comparison of mattress and continuous suturing techniques using polyglactin 910 and chromic catgut for episiotomy repair: an observational study

Background An episiotomy is an incision through the perineum to increase the vulvae outlet’s diameter and assist childbirth. Despite the fact that episiotomy is proven to benefit mothers, it is responsible for a significant percentage of both short-term and long-term postpartum morbidities. This study compares two different suture materials, namely polyglactin and chromic catgut, for episiotomy repair and short-term maternal morbidity.

Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Thrissur. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS software.

Results A total of 400 participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied. The majority of 214  women (53.5%) included in this study were between 20-25 years. 17(4.3%) women had edema (1 cm) at 24-48 hours after delivery. 43 (10.8%) women had more than 99-degree temperatures at 24-48 hours. 6 (1.5%) women had wound dehiscence at 6 weeks of them, 4 belonged to group 4. 98.3% had episiotomy wounds healed by primary intention.

Conclusions There was a reduction in wound dehiscence and more healing by primary intention in the polyglactin group than in the chromic catgut group. There was no significant reduction in short-term pain, temperature, induration and oedema between these groups. Hence, this study recommends a more rapidly absorbable form of polyglactin than traditional chromic catgut for perineal repair.