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Prevention of Perineal Trauma

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Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract

Perineal trauma is a highly prevalent condition. The short- and long-term morbidity associated with perineal repair can lead to major physical, psychological, and social problems. Although it would be impossible to completely prevent perineal trauma, it could be minimized. Proven strategies include the practice of perineal massage in the antenatal period, delayed pushing in the second stage of labor with an epidural in situ, restrictive use of episiotomy, preference of a mediolateral over a midline episiotomy, and the use of a vacuum extractor instead of forceps for instrumental delivery. Other strategies have been suggested but remain unproven in randomized controlled trials. Further research in this area is required.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mayday University Hospital, Croydon, Surrey, UK

    Ranee Thakar MD & Abdul H. Sultan MD

Authors
  1. Ranee Thakar MD
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  2. Abdul H. Sultan MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pelvic Floor Unit and Colorectal Service 1st Department of General Surgery, Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy

    Giulio Aniello Santoro (Head) (Head)

  2. Department of Pediatric Radiology Children’s Teaching Hospital, Skubiszewski Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland

    Andrzej Paweł Wieczorek

  3. Diagnostic Imaging, Princess Grace Hospital, London, UK

    Clive I. Bartram

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Thakar, R., Sultan, A.H. (2010). Prevention of Perineal Trauma. In: Santoro, G.A., Wieczorek, A.P., Bartram, C.I. (eds) Pelvic Floor Disorders. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1542-5_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1542-5_18

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-1541-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-1542-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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