A comparative study of two layer versus three-layer repair of mediolateral episiotomy

Background: Since majority of the women attending study hospital are belonging to lower socioeconomic strata and active involvement of paramedical staff in providing obstetric care, this study was undertaken to find the utility of a two-layer repair of mediolateral episiotomy and compare it with the standard method of closure in relation to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness and superiority if any, over the traditional three-layered repair of episiotomy.Methods: This was a prospective interventional study comparing 100 women who underwent two-layer closure with 100 women who underwent three-layer closure of episiotomy in a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India over a period of 2 years from October 2012 to October 2014. The parameters assessed were operative time, number of suture materials required, immediate post procedure pain and complications at follow-up. Qualitative and quantitative data was analysed using unpaired t-test, chi square test and Fisher exact test.Results: Both the groups were comparable in terms of hospital stay and wound complications such as oedema, dehiscence, hematoma, requirement of resuturing, cosmesis and long-term complications such as dyspareunia. However, two-layer repair required less operative time, lesser number of suture materials and decreased pain during hospital stay as there was statistically significant difference observed between the two groups.Conclusions: In this study experience, it can be concluded that two-layer repair of episiotomy is faster, with less post-operative pain and more cost effective. Hence it provides mother with better services