[Treatment of episiotomy wound infections. Incision and drainage versus incision, curettage and sutures under antibiotic cover--a randomized trial]

Abstract

Conventional, "open" treatment of episiotomy wound infections was compared to incision, curettage and primary suture under antibiotic cover in a prospective, randomized study. During the period 1.5.1986-31.12.1988 there were 4154 vaginal deliveries with episiotomy, of which 20 (0.48%) became infected. Seventeen of these patients consented to enter the study. Median time for healing was 12 days following suture and 19 days after "open" treatment (not significant). Hospitalization time was the same in the two groups. No re-infections were seen. A need for vaginal plastic repair was found in three of nine of the conventionally treated patients and in none of the patients in the suture group (not significant). It is concluded that treatment of episiotomy wound infections with incision, curettage and primary suture under antibiotic cover is an attractive, safe ad convenient alternative treatment.