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Episiotomies In The Jos University Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Background: Episiotomy is the commonest minor obstetric operation. There is however significant risks associated with the routine use of episiotomy. It is associated with the immediate problem of more perineal pain in the puerperium, and the long-term problem of potential sexual dysfunction resulting from superficial dyspareunia or pain at the introitus.
Objective: To determine the rate of episiotomy, the indications, and to observe changes in the use of episiotomy since 1998 in the Jos University Teaching hospital.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive deliveries in the maternity unit of the Jos University Teaching hospital. The records of all deliveries in the maternity unit of the hospital were retrieved and checked for total deliveries within the study period. Records of patients that had episiotomy were collated and analyzed for age, parity, and the indication for the episiotomy. The records were analyzed using the Epi-Info 2002 software.
Results: A total of 15,228 deliveries were conducted and 3,769 episiotomies were performed with an overall rate of 24.8%. There was a general decrease of the rate from 28.4% in 1998 to 20.8% in 2003. Medio-lateral incisions were commonly used and the primipara accounted for 54.9% of the episiotomies. The commonest (52.6%) indication was for imminent perineal tear with the fetal head pressing on the perineum.
Conclusion: Episiotomies are commonly performed obstetric minor operations in the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Primiparity appears to be a risk factor for episiotomy. The commonest indication was imminent perineal tear in the second stage of labour.
Key words: episiotomy, vacuum, forceps, prematurity, perineum, obstetric, Jos
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2005: 31-35
Objective: To determine the rate of episiotomy, the indications, and to observe changes in the use of episiotomy since 1998 in the Jos University Teaching hospital.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive deliveries in the maternity unit of the Jos University Teaching hospital. The records of all deliveries in the maternity unit of the hospital were retrieved and checked for total deliveries within the study period. Records of patients that had episiotomy were collated and analyzed for age, parity, and the indication for the episiotomy. The records were analyzed using the Epi-Info 2002 software.
Results: A total of 15,228 deliveries were conducted and 3,769 episiotomies were performed with an overall rate of 24.8%. There was a general decrease of the rate from 28.4% in 1998 to 20.8% in 2003. Medio-lateral incisions were commonly used and the primipara accounted for 54.9% of the episiotomies. The commonest (52.6%) indication was for imminent perineal tear with the fetal head pressing on the perineum.
Conclusion: Episiotomies are commonly performed obstetric minor operations in the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Primiparity appears to be a risk factor for episiotomy. The commonest indication was imminent perineal tear in the second stage of labour.
Key words: episiotomy, vacuum, forceps, prematurity, perineum, obstetric, Jos
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2005: 31-35
