Tuesday, 8 June 2021

Prevention of OASIS

Predicting OASIS and tears in individual women is inaccurate and midwifery practices can do little to prevent them. 


§  Clinicians need to be aware of the risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) (Grade D)

§  Elective / low thresh-hold for LSCS in patients with the following risk factor/s:

         Nulliparity 

         Macrosomia  of more than 4kg

         Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

         Prolonged 1st stage of labour (7-to-10 interval >3hours)

         Prolonged active 2nd stage of labour >60 mins)

         No/poor descent during instrumental delivery

         High head (not visible on parting vagina, PA & VE)

§  Encourage epidural analgesia

§  Perineal protection at crowning can be protective, control delivery of the head may prevent burst injuries.  (Grade C) PINCHING TECHNIQUE

§  Left hand slowing down the delivery of the head, the head is flexed and the right hand protecting the perineum (Pinching Technique as in Finish Intervention Trial).

§  Clinicians should explain to women that the evidence for the protective effect of episiotomy is conflicting. ( Grade C)

§ If an episiotomy is warranted than, a medio-lateral episiotomy (60 degree angulation) has been shown to reduce OASIS.

§   Early extension of episiotomy should be performed to avoid further damage

§   Forcible delivery should be avoided,  it should be replaced with vacuum delivery by use the Kiwi cup for OT & OP positions

§ Delivery the head should be in between contraction. The mother should not push vigorously when head is crowning (communicate).

§ Do take care during the delivery of the shoulder, continue to protect the perineum (midwife/assistant) during delivery of the head & shoulders


The above is video demonstrating how to perform a 60 degrees episiotomy & how to do the perineal protection using PINCHING TECHNIQUE

Consent Has been Taken from Patient to publish this video ( For Teaching Purpose)

Reference : RCOG Greentop guidelines No 29. June 2015
                   Justine RL , Episiotomy & repair. Medscape April 2021

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