Impact of chromic catgut versus polyglactin 910 versus fast-absorbing polyglactin 910 sutures for perineal repair: a randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of our study was to compare the impact of 3 suture materials on perineal pain and on resumption of sexual intercourse.

STUDY DESIGN:

This randomized, controlled trial compared 3 types of suture materials (chromic catgut, polyglactin 910, fast-absorbing polyglactin 910) for second-degree perineal laceration or uncomplicated episiotomy. Patients were enrolled in early labor and assigned randomly to 1 of the 3 suture materials. Pain was evaluated at 48 hours, 6 weeks, and 3 months. The study subjects were questioned about residual perineal pain, resumption of sexual activity, and pain-free sexual intercourse. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken.

RESULTS:

Of the 192 patients who were assigned randomly to groups, 66 patients had their perineal laceration repaired with chromic catgut; 60 patients had repair with polyglactin 910, and 66 patients had repair with fast-absorbing polyglactin 910. At 48 hours, there was no significant difference according to the pain measurement scores, but the median consumption of analgesics was significantly lower with fast-absorbing polyglactin 910 than with standard polyglactin 910. There was no difference in the resumption of sexual intercourse at 6 weeks after the delivery between chromic catgut (42%) compared with standard polyglactin 910 group (56%; P = .23). However, it was more frequent for women in the fast-absorbing polyglactin 910 group (66%; P = .02). After adjustment for confounding variables, perineal repair with fast-absorbing polyglactin 910 was associated with a higher rate of sexual intercourse (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.07-6.10) and a higher rate of pain-free sexual intercourse (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.03-6.10) at 6 weeks after delivery.

CONCLUSION:

Fast-absorbing polyglactin 910 for perineal repair is associated with earlier resumption of sexual intercourse when compared with chromic catgut.

• Authors: Nathalie Leroux, Emmanuel Bujold
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 194 Issue 6 Pg. 1585-90; discussion 1590 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 16731075 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Polyglactin 910

Topics

• Absorption
• Adult
• Catgut (standards)
• Coitus
• Female
• Humans
• Lacerations (physiopathology, surgery)
• Pain (physiopathology)
• Pain Measurement
• Perineum (injuries, physiopathology, surgery)
• Polyglactin 910 (pharmacokinetics, standards)
• Pregnancy
• Sutures
• Time Factors