2005, Cilt 12, Sayı 1, Sayfa(lar) 049-061
Impact of Two Different Methods of Perineal Wound Care on the Process of Episiotomy Wound Healing
Uzm.Hemş. Zekiye TOKER1, Doç.Dr. Kafiye EROĞLU2
1Antakya Doğum ve Çocuk Bakımevi Hemşiresi
2Hacettepe Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu Doğum ve Kadın Hastalıkları Hemşireliği Anabilim Dalı
Keywords: Episiotomy, wound healing, postpartum care, antiseptic solution, puerperal infections

This study was carried out as experimental to determine the impact of two different methods (care with water and care with betadine) on the process of perineal wound healing.

Data was collected between October 8 – December 11, 2002. Sample included voluntereed women who were residing in Antakya and who did not have any systemic disease, vaginal or perineal infection and anemia, and who had been graduated at least from primary school, of which 36 recruited for the first group( who care with water) and 33 for the second group ( who care with betadine). Both of the two groups were educated about episotomy care by providing brochure relevant to the subject. Data was collected following the first day of delivery using the descriptive data collection and observation form, and 1., 5., 15. and 20th day of postpartum using observation and general evaluation forms through face to face interview and observation method. Data were evaluated by Multibox Chi-square Test and Fisher's Exact Test.

Main results of the study were as follows: Most of women in the grups were 19-29 ages, primipar, graduate of primary school, house wife and nucleus family type. There were no significant differences in terms of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics between first and second groups. Most of the women have undergone mediolateral episiotomy ( I.G:77.8%, II.G:78.8%). While tissue repairment of episiotomy at the 15th day of postpartum was found to be adequate in 92.3% of the first group and 85.5% of the second group; it was found to be adequate at the 20th day of postpartum in the whole of the first group and in 90.0% of the second group. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between first and second groups with regard to wound healing, redness, bruising, current, pain, edema and dehiscence of sutures on first, 15th and 20th days. However, there was a significant difference in redness on the 5th day of postpartum, the group who was cared with betadine after delivery had significantly more redness than was the group who was cared with water. According to results of the study, the use water for the care of episiotomy may be recommended because of its harmless and cheapness.