Implementation of Episcissors-60 for Prevention of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) in a Centre with Low Episiotomy Rates.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether introduction of Episcissors-60 into a labour and birth unit would decrease the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).

METHODS

A before and after quality improvement study was conducted between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. All patients who had a vaginal delivery were included in this study. All healthcare providers who perform vaginal deliveries were offered an educational session. Episcissors-60 were then introduced into a labour and birth unit. The primary outcome measure was the change in incidence of OASIS before and after introduction of Episcissors-60. Secondary outcome measures were episiotomy rates before and after introduction of Episcissors-60, device-related adverse events, and provider satisfaction and feedback. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t tests, and Mann-Whitney tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1383 vaginal deliveries occurred before and 1254 vaginal deliveries after introduction of Episcissors-60. There was a decrease in the total OASIS rate from 7.37% of all vaginal deliveries before and 5.37% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.037). The episiotomy rate was 11.42% before and 9.97% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.228). OASIS rate in women who had an episiotomy was 12.02% before and 13.60% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.421).

CONCLUSION

Although introduction of Episcissors-60 was associated with a statistically significant decrease in total OASIS rate, there was no difference in OASIS rate within the subgroup that received an episiotomy. Therefore, reduction in the total OASIS rate in this study cannot be attributed to the use of Episcissors-60.