Assessment of Functional Outcome Following an Episiotomy

Abstract

Introduction:Episiotomy is a surgical procedure which became a common practice only from beginning of 20th century with the intent to reduce duration of second stage of delivery and avoid perineal tear .study aims at assessing functional activity limitation and level of dependency in patients who underwent episiotomy. This could guide towards early intervention and better functional outcome Methodology: 50 women, including both primiparous andmultiparous who underwent episiotomy, participated in study. Normal delivery without episiotomy and caesarean section were excluded. The study was carried out in tertiary care Hospital, at Navi Mumbai. The study tool had information related to demography and pain of participants. Level of dependency was assessed using Barthel index and WHO QOL-BREEF scale immediate on second day and one month after delivery. Result:All the subjects in study were found to have pain as major symptom. Certain physical activities like bathing, transfer, and ambulation were significantly affected. level of moderate dependency has gradually reduced in one month. (P <0.0001). independence level has increased significantly after one month (P<0.0014) Conclusion:Significant pain was observed in study population, which has affected dependency level. Though gradual decline seen in dependency with medical interventions, it is advisable to increase use of rehabilitation techniques and enhance functional outcome