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N - Perineal Lac FINAL 6-Up PDF
N - Perineal Lac FINAL 6-Up PDF
Third and Fourth Degree • Discuss the classification of perineal lacerations
Perineal Lacerations • Describe the etiology of third and fourth degree
lacerations
Revised January 2017
• Explain techniques for repair
• Discuss complications of third and fourth degree
lacerations
History Associated Risk Factors
• Reference to laceration repair dates back to • Episiotomy
Hippocrates – midline > mediolateral
• Incidence of lacerations was increasing but has • Delivery with stirrups
stabilized – delivery table, lithotomy position
– Parallels the use of episiotomy • Operative delivery
• Repair technique has been fine tuned using an – forceps > vacuum
evidence‐based approach • Increasing birth weight
Anatomy of the
Associated Factors (continued) Perineum
Body of Clitoris
• Prolonged second stage of labor Glans of Clitoris
Crus of Clitoris Urethral Orifice
• Nulliparity Bulb of Vestibule
Ischiocavernosus
Bulbocavernosus
• OT or OP positions Hymen
Greater Vestibular Gland
Perineal Membrane
• Younger age Anus
External Anal Sphincter
Levator Ani
• Use of oxytocin Gluteus Maximus
Coccyx
1
Classification of Lacerations Prevention
Degree of Laceration Description
First degree Superficial laceration of the vaginal mucosa or perineal
• Avoid operative delivery
body – Vacuum if needed
Second degree Laceration of the vaginal mucosa and/or perineal skin and
deeper subcutaneous tissues • Avoid episiotomy
Third Incomplete Second degree laceration with laceration of the capsule • Antenatal perineal massage
degree and part (but not all) of the external anal sphincter
muscle • Lateral birth position
Complete Same as above with complete laceration of the external
anal sphincter muscle • Perineal warm packs during second stage
Fourth degree Laceration of the rectal mucosa
Prior to Repair Equipment
• Evaluate laceration • Call for assistance • Sponges • Sharp tooth tissue forceps
• Prepare equipment • Provide • Vaginal pack • Sutures
– Instruments – Analgesia • Irrigation – Polyglycolic acid derivative
– 2‐0 and 3‐0
– Sutures – Lighting • 2 Allis clamps
• Local anesthesia
– Visualization • Needle holder
Anesthesia Innervation of
• Provide perineal analgesia Perineum
– Local Ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve
– Pudendal Dorsal nerve of clitoris
– Regional Pudendal
– Inhalation Labial nerve
Nerve
• Anesthetics Inferior rectal nerve
– Lidocaine
– Bupivacaine
Perineal branch posterior femoral
– Chloroprocaine cutaneous nerve
Coccygeal and last sacral nerve
2
Pudendal Block Ilioinguinal nerve Rectal Mucosa
Genital branch
genitofemoral nerve • Identify apex
Perineal branch posterior
femoral cutaneous nerve
• Begin closure above apex
Dorsal nerve of clitoris • Close with running or interrupted
Labial nerve 3‐0 polyglycolic suture
Ischial spine
Pudendal nerve
• Transmucosal sutures are not
Inferior hemorrhoidal recommended
nerve
Sacrospinous ligament
Internal Anal Sphincter Closure Rectovaginal Septum
• Identify the internal anal • Goal
sphincter – Decreased dead space
– Longitudinal fibromuscular – Strengthened septum
layer • Reapproximate rectovaginal
– Between the rectal mucosa fascia
and the external anal • Run 2‐0 polyglycolic suture
sphincter
• Repair may occur before or
• Close with running locked
after external anal sphincter
3‐0 polyglycolic suture
• Avoid entry into rectal lumen
External Anal Sphincter External Anal Sphincter: End‐to‐End
• End‐to‐end traditional • Identify ends of
– Taught as the primary method in ALSO sphincter
• Overlap is a newer technique • Grasp with Allis clamps
• Some heterogeneity in the evidence, but the • Reapproximate with at
end‐to‐end technique seems to have better least four 2‐0
continence outcomes polyglycolic sutures
• Don’t strangulate
3
External Anal Sphincter: Overlap Vagina
• Similar to end‐to‐end • Begin above apex
• Grasp with Allis clamps • Use polyglycolic suture
• Reapproximate with at • Close to hymeneal ring
least four 2‐0 • Suture placed deep enough to
polyglycolic sutures repair rectovaginal septum but
• Overlap muscle as not into rectal lumen
shown
Perineal Body Perineal Muscles
• New suture, or continue
with vaginal suture
• Assess defect
• Close in one or two layers
• Place “crown stitch” and
complete closure
Perineal Skin
Repair of Perineal Body
Muscles: Bulbocavernosis • Continue stitch as a subcuticular
closure
(bulbospongiosis) • Transepithelial stitches are not
recommended because of increased
pain
• Leaving skin unsutured is an option if a
minimal gap exists after muscles
repaired
• Complete closure by bringing suture
into vagina for tying
4
Evaluation of Surgical Repair The Complicated Repair
• Assure correct sponge and instrument count • Lateral and multidirectional
• Vaginal examination to assess repair, look for other lacerations extensions
• Rectal examination for • Hemorrhage
– Palpable defects • Pain
– Intact rectal sphincter • Consider
• “Squeeze my finger” – Additional anesthesia or regional
• Consider need to revise repair if problems are noted, but may anesthesia
not be beneficial in case of suture placed in rectal lumen – Additional assistance
• Prepare operative note – Consultation
Complications Etiology of Complications
• Infection • Infection
• Dehiscence • Hematoma
• Hematoma • Poor tissue approximation
• Obesity
• Rectovaginal fistula
• Poor perineal hygiene
• Rectocutaneous fistula
• Malnutrition
• Perineal abscess • Anemia
• Anal incontinence • Constipation
• Dyspareunia • Blunt or penetrating trauma
Etiology of Complications (continued) Summary
• Forceful coitus • Avoid episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery
• Cigarette smoking • Identification of the depth of laceration and anatomy
• Inflammatory bowel disease is essential
• Connective tissue disease • Ensure adequate lighting
• Provide hemostasis and good approximation of tissue
• Prior pelvic radiation planes
• Hematologic disease • Examine repair and rectum
• Endometriosis • Stay vigilant for post‐op infection and treat judiciously