Comparative Study on Continuous Versus Interrupted Suturing of Episiotomy

Introduction: Episiotomy is a frequent obstetric intervention during vaginal delivery, necessitating effective repair techniques to minimize complications and enhance recovery. Continuous and interrupted suturing techniques are widely used, but their comparative efficacy remains debated. This study evaluates the impact of these techniques on wound healing, pain, complications, and patient satisfaction. Method: A prospective comparative study was conducted over two years at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, involving 200 women undergoing mediolateral episiotomy during vaginal delivery. Participants were randomized into continuous (n=100) and interrupted (n=100) suturing groups. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and outcomes such as wound healing, complications, and cosmetic satisfaction were evaluated at 48 hours, one week, six weeks, and three months. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and t-tests. Results: Continuous suturing required significantly less analgesia at 2 hours (28% vs. 85%, p < 0.001) and 48 hours (17% vs. 32%, p = 0.01). Pain scores in lying, sitting, and walking positions were consistently lower at 2 hours in the continuous group (p < 0.05). Continuous suturing also resulted in fewer cases of edema at 2 hours (4.0% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.013) and 48 hours (2.0% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.017). Wound dehiscence was significantly less frequent in the continuous group at 1 week (1.0% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Continuous suturing offers superior outcomes in reducing early pain, edema, and wound dehiscence compared to interrupted suturing, making it a preferred technique for episiotomy repair.