Exuberant Granulation Complicating an Episiotomy Wound: Case Report on the Treatment Using Surgical Excision and...

Poor wound healing may limit body functionality and is an indication for clinical intervention. Excessive formation of granulation tissue above the edge of the skin surrounding a wound without re-epithelization is termed exuberant granulation, or proud flesh. It is uncommonly reported as a complication of an episiotomy wound.

This study aimed to report exuberant granulation that complicates an episiotomy wound with a friable vaginal epithelium and to describe the successful treatment of the lesion with surgical excision and topical conjugated equine estrogen vaginal cream.

A 24-year-old para 1 had spontaneous vaginal birth of a normal baby at term in a district hospital. Five months later, she presented to a regional hospital with complaints of pain and incomplete wound healing at the episiotomy site. She had used topical povidone-iodine ointment with no success. Following a physical examination, an exuberant granulation at the episiotomy wound was diagnosed. The lesions were located mostly at 5 to 7 o'clock position in the vagina which had a thin and friable mucosa. The patient was treated with surgical excision and postoperative topical conjugated equine estrogen vaginal cream 0.625 mg per 1 g at a dose of 0.5 g per intravaginal application twice weekly for two weeks, and thereafter once weekly for one week. A review after 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months confirmed complete wound healing and normal function of the genitalia.

Exuberant granulation that complicates an episiotomy wound with friable vaginal mucosa is amenable to surgical excision and postoperative intermittent intermediate doses of topical conjugated equine estrogen vaginal cream.