Perineal cut reduces the risk of serious birth injury
In first-time mothers requiring vacuum-assisted delivery, a lateral episiotomy (angled cut) in the tissue between the vaginal and anal opening more than halves the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury, a severe form of perineal trauma between the vulva and anus. This according to a randomised clinical study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm’s Danderyd Hospital, the results of which are published in The BMJ.Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI), which involves the anal sphincter muscles, can lead to anal incontinence with difficulties retaining gas and faeces. It