Prevalence of Episiotomy and Perineal Lacerations in a University Teaching Hospital, North-Central Nigeria

Episiotomy is an incision on the introitus and the perineum to increase pelvic outlet to facilitate childbirth and prevent trauma to fetal and maternal tissues. Episiotomy and perineal laceration may predispose the woman to short and long term complications. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of episiotomy and perineal lacerations and their associated risks factors at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria. Retrospective data of all women who had spontaneous vagina delivery over a 3 year period with perineal laceration/episiotomy were reviewed. Data was obtained from the records and information on the socio-demographic variables, episiotomies, lacerations and the birth weight of infants. The associated risk factors were recorded using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.Of the 636 vaginal deliveries, 85(13.4%) had lacerations with 65(10.2%) first degree, 19(3.0%) second degree and 1(0.2%) major laceration. Episiotomy rate was 132(20.8%). The mean parity and birth weight of infants were 2.62(SD= ± 1.83) and 3.1 kg (SD= ± 0.767) respectively. The highest number of perineal tears 69(10.8%) were in the lower age group (≤ 30 years). A similar observation was noted in respect of episiotomies which rate however decreased with parity. The relationship between maternal age, parity, booking status, fetal weight and the perineal status at delivery was statistically significant (P≤ 0.05). Episiotomy and perineal laceration rates in our institution were low. The major risk factors were low parity, young maternal age and increasing fetal weight at birth and their presence should be an early warning sign. We advise perineal support for all women during delivery.