Strategies to reduce post-episiotomy pain: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2024v6n9p3204-3222Keywords:
Episiotomia; Dor; Alívio; Pós-parto; Laceração.Abstract
Episiotomy is a surgical incision performed in the perineal region with the purpose of expanding the lumen of the vaginal introitus during the expulsive phase of labor. Although routine episiotomy is no longer recommended, many women undergo this procedure, experiencing perineal pain as a short- and long-term consequence. Post-episiotomy pain directly affects a woman's quality of life postpartum. The objective of this review is to list the main pharmacological and alternative measures that have demonstrated effectiveness in relieving post-episiotomy pain. A search for previous works was carried out on the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), ScienceDirect and Virtual Health Library (VHL) platforms and a total of 16 scientific articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Through the studies analyzed, it was observed that the use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy were the most frequently associated with pain relief, being cited in three articles. The use of local infiltration with lidocaine was mentioned in two studies, and other interventions, such as the use of topical lidocaine-prilocaine cream, local infiltration with ropivacaine, use of paracetamol 1000mg intravenously, among others, were mentioned in only one. article each. Due to the lack of protocols in post-episiotomy management, pelvic discomfort represents a situation that affects millions of women around the world each year. Therefore, considering the severity of the negative repercussions, doctors must have precise knowledge about the appropriate approach to controlling the pain of women who have suffered this perineal laceration.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Luísa Ribeiro, Milena Spinelli, Paulo Vitor Siqueira, Helena Carneiro, Emilia Rodrigues, Flavia Galvão, Marcela Marques
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