Ropivacaine Perineal Infiltration for Postpartum Pain Management in Episiotomy Repair: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

( BJOG . 2024;131(7):899–907. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.17266) Episiotomy, a surgical technique that widens the vaginal opening to facilitate delivery, continues to be frequently performed despite global suggestions to reduce its frequency, with prevalence varying from 8% to 59%. Postpartum perineal pain affects a large majority of women, with 97% experiencing it in the first 24 hours and 61% to 76% experiencing it from days 7 to 10. This discomfort may last for months and is associated with postpartum depression and sexual dysfunction, affecting 50% of women a year after having an episiotomy or a third-degree tear.