Episiotomy discomforts relief using cold gel pads in primiparaus Iranian women (a comparative study)

Abstract: Episiotomy is the most common perineal surgical in obstetric and midwifery. Application of Cooling devices is a new approach in pain relief but the pain related to episiotomy is typically treated with oral analgesic medications. This clinical trial involved 60 qualified primiparaus women admitted for labor in Kamali Hospital inKaraj, Iran. They were randomly allocated into two groups: cases (using Gel pads) and control (receiving the hospital routine). The participant's pain and discomforts were recorded on the VAS and REEDA scales, respectively. Pain was evaluated 4, 12 h and 5 days after episiotomy. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS 14 using independent t-test and chi-square. There were statistically difference in pain intensity scores of 2 groups in 4 h (p = 0.014), 12 h (p = 0.002) and 5 days (p = 0.000) after episiotomy. The REEDA score was significantly low in the experimental group (Gel pads group) at 5 days after episiotomy (p = 0.000). This study application of cold gel pads instead of betadine for episiotomy wound care. © Medwell Journals, 2011