A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONTINUOUS VERSUS INTERRUPTED EPISIOTOMY REPAIR AFTER VAGINAL BIRTH IN PRIMIGRAVIDAE

Background: The use of continuous sutures are associated with lower short-term pain intensity assessed compared to the interrupted sutures; 2 days after repair and 10 days after repair. Objective: To assess the effects of continuous versus interrupted suturing methods on short and long term postpartum maternal morbidity experienced by primiparous women following repair of episiotomy after vaginal birth. Patients and methods: This comparative study was conducted in the Emergency Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Desouk general Hospital. The study involved 200 primigravid women prepared for vaginal delivery with episiotomy). Results: In the current study, episiotomy repair with continuous sutures was more economic; it required a significantly shorter time and lesser number of Vicryl sutures. Repair of episiotomy wound using continuous suturing technique of the vaginal mucosa and perineal muscles results in a better post-procedural pain recovery. Conclusions: Continuous suturing technique consumed significantly shorter procedure time and less cost owing to fewer vicryl sutures.