Evaluation of Episiotomy Characteristics of EPISCISSORS–60 Scissors Compared with Mayo Scissors: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: It seems that angled scissors may be able to minimize the occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) during vaginal delivery by correcting the angle of the episiotomy incision. For this purpose, this study aimed to evaluate the episiotomy characteristics of EPISCISSORS–60 scissors compared with Mayo scissors. METHODS: In this single-blind clinical trial study, 64 pregnant women candidates for natural childbirth were included; 32 women underwent episiotomy with Mayo scissors and 32 underwent episiotomy with the EPISCISSORS–60 instrument. Then, post-suturing angle, incision length, episiotomy, postpartum pain, bleeding volume, and the incidence of OASIS and dyspareunia were assessed. The collected data were analyzed by independent sample t test, chi-square test, and the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Episiotomy incision length in the EPISCISSORS–60 group with a mean of 4.75 ± 0.72 cm was significantly longer than the Mayo group with a mean of 3.91 ± 0.52cm (P < 0.001). In addition, the incidence of dyspareunia was not significantly different between the 2 groups (6.3% vs 15.6%; P = 0.426). Sphincter damage did not occur at all in the EPISCISSORS–60 group and only 2 cases of grade 3 sphincter rupture occurred in the Mayo group (P = 0.238). The mean of post suturing angle in the EPISCISSORS–60 group (59.09° ± 3.47°) was significantly higher than the Mayo group, with a mean of 31.06° ± 7.21° (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, the use of EPISCISSORS–60 can be associated with a higher post-suture episiotomy angle compared with Mayo scissors. As a result, both the incidence of OASIS and its long-term side effects, like dyspareunia, were decreased. However, in our study, the incidence of these complications was very rare and not different between the 2 groups.