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Effects of epidural analgesia during labor on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery
Andrea Sartore1, Roberto Pregazzi, Paolo Bortoli
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, I.R.C.C.S. Burlo Garofolo, University of Trieste, Italy. sartore@burlo.trieste.it
Background:
Aims of this study were to determine the rate of symptoms related to perineal trauma (anal and stress urinary incontinence) and to assess pelvic floor muscle function in women who underwent epidural analgesia.
Methods:
Comparative design comprising 70 matched pairs of primiparous mothers. Each woman was questioned about urogynecologic symptoms and examined by digital test, vaginal perineometry and uroflowmetric stop test score 3 months after vaginal delivery. Urogenital prolapse was defined in accordance with the Baden and Walker's 'Halfway System Classification'. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to compare the two groups and simple logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of every variable considered in respect of the control population.
Results:
No significant difference was found in the incidence of stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and vaginal prolapse in the two study groups. No significant differences were found between the study groups with regard to the digital test, vaginal manometry and urine stream interruption test.
Conclusions:
Use of epidural analgesia is not associated with symptoms related to perineal trauma and pelvic floor muscle weakness.