Effect of the phenytoin cream on episiotomy healing and pain reduction

Background and Aim : Episiotomy is one of the most common surgery interventions to facilitate theprocess of delivery. Phenytoin is known as a cream with antibacterial and anti-inflammation effects as wellas it has accelerates effects of tissue. This study aimed to determine the role of phenytoin cream on woundhealing in pregnant women underwent episiotomy surgery.Methods : This was a double-blind clinical trial included 90 women in the age range of 18-35, who werereferred to Shahidan Mobini Sabsevar Center, Sabzever, Iran in 2016. Subjects were randomly selected anddivided into two Phenytoin and control groups (45 for each). After delivery all of the patients used thiscreams daily. Recovery assessment was conducted on the tenth and twentieth day by REEDA and VASscales. Data were analyzed by U-mann Whitney test and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS version 22.Results : The mean of REEDA score on the 10th day after delivery was 5.38 ± 1.78 in the interventiongroup and 4.41 ± 2.21 in the control group. Comparison of REEDA score on the 10th day after deliverybetween two groups showed that there was a significant difference between them (Z = -0.01) (P = 0.003).Also, the mean of VAS score on the 10th day after delivery was 5.17 ± 1.48 in the intervention group andwas 4.7 ± 1.14 in the control group. Comparison of VAS score on the 10th day after delivery between twogroups showed that there was a significant difference between them (Z = 3.43) (P = 0.001)Conclusion : Findings showed that use of topical phenytoin increases rapidity of Episiotomy woundhealing. It is recommended to accelerate wound healing of Episiotomy on women.

Keywords:

Episiotomy , phenytoin , pregnancy , wound healing