E-Posters-Visualisation of Perineal Trauma on Translabial Ultrasound

Visualisation of Perineal Trauma on Translabial Ultrasound - Susanne Housmans, MD

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to use translabial ultrasound (TLUS) to identify and characterize perineal scars, and distinguish between episiotomy and perineal tears. The researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Epi-No trial, analyzing TLUS volume data. Out of 149 volumes, 32 had missing or insufficient quality data. The remaining 117 volumes showed that 66% had perineal scars, with 53% showing linear scars and 47% showing non-linear scars. In terms of obstetric data, 18% were episiotomies, and 32% were tears ≥ grade 2. Overall, there was a 66% agreement between clinical data and sonographic assessment of any significant trauma. Out of the 21 episiotomies, 11 were identified as linear scars. This pilot study suggests that TLUS can be a useful tool in assessing perineal scars after childbirth, with potential for optimizing assessment in future prospective studies. This information may be valuable for clinical audit, particularly in considering episiotomy location and angle for preventing major perineal tears.

Keywords

translabial ultrasound

TLUS

perineal scars

episiotomy

perineal tears

Epi-No trial

TLUS volume data

linear scars

non-linear scars

obstetric data