Comparative safety and efficacy of continuous versus interrupted suturing for episiotomy repair: a parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

Dr. Lavanya Anuranjani; Dr Raghvendra Mahilange

doi:10.51168/yda1pa26

Authors

Dr . Raghvendra Mahilange Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lt LAM Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India Author
Dr. Lavanya Anuranjani Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/yda1pa26

Keywords:

episiotomy, episiotomy wound, interrupted suturing, and continuous suturing

Abstract

Background

Episiotomy repair technique may influence procedure time, suture consumption, acute perineal pain, and wound outcomes.

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of continuous and interrupted suturing techniques for mediolateral episiotomy repair.

Methods

This parallel-group randomised controlled trial included 204 primigravid women undergoing right mediolateral episiotomy. Participants were allocated 1:1 to continuous non-locking repair or conventional three-layer interrupted repair (102 per group). Both groups received fast-absorbing polyglactin 910, diclofenac 75 mg intramuscularly, and identical postnatal care. Primary outcomes were VAS pain scores at 12 and 24 hours; secondary outcomes included repair time, suture use, later pain, rescue analgesia, and wound status.

Results

All 204 participants received the allocated repair and completed follow-up. Continuous suturing used less suture material (75 versus 90 cm) and required less time (14 versus 17 minutes; p=0.0004 for both). Pain was lower at 12 and 24 hours (p=0.0004 for both) but comparable at 3 and 6 weeks. Rescue analgesia was required by 2.0% and 7.8% of women, respectively (p=0.101). Wound status was comparable (exact p=0.248).

Conclusion

Continuous suturing was associated with shorter repair time, lower suture consumption, and less early perineal pain, without a significant difference in rescue analgesia or short-term wound status.

Recommendation

Continuous suturing may be considered for episiotomy repair when clinicians are appropriately trained; larger, rigorously reported multicentre trials with longer follow-up are recommended.

Author Biographies

Dr . Raghvendra Mahilange, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lt LAM Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Lt LAM Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. His academic interests include intrapartum care, perineal trauma, and maternal outcomes.
Dr. Lavanya Anuranjani, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Her academic interests include evidence-based obstetric practice, postpartum recovery, and women’s health research.

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