Short-Term Effects in the Treatment of Episiotomy Dehiscence in Physiotherapy: A Novel Approach in a Case Series Report.

Abstract

Background and aims: Dehiscence is defined as the appearance of a hole or gap between the sutured edges of the episiotomy of more than 0.5 cm. Episiotomy is a technique in which an incision is made in the perineum to reduce the incidence of severe perineal tears. The two most used are the midline in the USA and Canada and the postero-lateral incision in Europe. In cases where the mother's BMI exceeds 35 kg/m², the risk of infection and dehiscence increases. Reoperation is the usual choice and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as purulent discharge in 22.2%, perineal pain in 23.6% and 26.2% suffering from both. Radiofrequency and magnetotherapy are common treatments in physiotherapy that have been shown to have positive effects on tissue regeneration with indications for scarring processes.

Methods/results: The following case series report proposes a detailed treatment protocol for episiotomy dehiscence with excellent results and no adverse effects in all cases. All patients had a 50% pain relief and total recovery in 1 week.

Conclusions: This is a novel treatment which needs future clinical trials to evaluate, analyze, and determine its effectiveness.