Background Genital tract trauma is common with vaginal births and is associated with significant morbidity, particularly with obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Debate continues regarding the effectiveness of perineal support during childbirth in reducing the risk of trauma.Objectives This review aimed to assess the effect of routine 'hands on'/manual perineal support (MPS) during childbirth, versus ad hoc/no perineal support ('hands off/poised'), on the risk and degree of perineal trauma.Search strategy This review is registered on PROSPERO (http:// www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp? ID=CRD42014007058). We searched the CENTRAL, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and OVIDs midwifery and infant care databases (from inception to December 2014).Selection criteria Published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRSs) evaluating any 'hands on' perineal support technique during childbirth.Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently assessed trials for inclusion, data extraction, and methodological quality. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion with a third reviewer.Main results We included five RCTs and seven NRSs in the review. Meta-analysis of RCTs did not demonstrate a statistically significant protective effect of MPS on the risk of OASIS (three studies, 6647 women; relative risk, RR 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.32-3.36; statistical test for heterogeneity I 2 = 71%). Meta-analysis of NRSs showed a significant reduction in the risk of OASIS with MPS (three studies, 74 744 women; RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.40-0.50; I 2 = 32%).Conclusion Current evidence is insufficient to drive change in practice. An adequately powered randomised trial with an efficient design to evaluate the complex interventions adopted as part of MPS policies, ensuring controlled childbirth, is urgently needed.Keywords Obstetric anal sphincter injuries, parturition, perineal support, perineal trauma.
IntroductionIt is reported that 85% of women having a vaginal birth sustain some degree of perineal trauma. 1 Perineal tears are defined as first degree when the perineal skin is involved, second degree when the tear involves perineal muscles and skin, third degree when the anal sphincter complex is involved, and fourth degree when the tear involves all of the above structures and the anal epithelium or rectal mucosa. 2,3 Third-and fourth-degree tears are collectively called obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). The overall rate of OASIS varies in reports (0.6-10.2%), 4-8 and is sometimes attributed to differences in definitions and clinical practices. 9 Perineal trauma is associated with considerable shortand long-term morbidity. The risk and severity of complications is proportional to the extent of the trauma. 10,11 Despite identification and repair, postpartum complications such as perineal pain and faecal incontinence have a higher prevalence following OASIS, [12][13][14][15][16] and are associated with www.bjog.org Systematic review major psychological, physical, and social problems....