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Published:
Feb 1, 2013Keywords:
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Study of Perineal Tears During Delivery of Singletons in Cephalic Presentation
Abstract
Background: Perineal lacerations are associated with short and long term maternal complications like
perineal pain and superficial dyspareunia and must be prevented.
Aims: To look for risk factors in order to prevent them
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from the 1<sup>st</sup> of January to the 31<sup>st</sup> of December 2007
in the maternity of the University Teaching Hospital Yaoundé (Cameroon). All cases of perineal tear that occurred during delivery of singletons in cephalic presentation were recruited. Our data were analysed using SPSS 12.0. The Student's t-test and the Fisher's exact test were used for comparison. The level of significance was 0.05.
Results: The incidence of perineal tear was 13.5% (230/1695). Second degree perineal tears represented rd th 22.1% and 3 degree 01.3% of cases. No 4 degree perineal tear was observed. Risk factors for second
degree perineal tears were nulliparity especially if maternal age was 27 and above, foetal weight = 3500 rd g, instrumental deliveries and deliveries of adolescents while that of 3 degree were forceps delivery (1
case) and macrosomic babies (2) in patients of 27 and 29 years.
Conclusion: In the above mentioned conditions, the perineum must be well protected and a mediolateral episiotomy must be done to prevent severe perineal tears if many risk factors are present.
Keywords: Singletons in cephalic presentation- Perineal tears-Risk factors.
