Role of blunt suture needle in episiotomy repair at uncomplicated vaginal deliveries in reducing glove perforation rate: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of blunt suture needles for episiotomy repair at uncomplicated vaginal deliveries in reducing glove perforation rate. Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial wherein 300 nulliparous women with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries were randomized to episiotomy repair with either blunt or sharp suture needles. Patient demographics and clinical variables were collected. Postoperatively, the surgeons were surveyed regarding ease of using the needle, and glove perforation was determined by three tests: air insufflation, water filling and water load. Results: A total of 41 perforations occurred in the 39 episiotomy repairs with glove perforations (13%). There was a significantly higher number of glove perforations using the sharp suture needles (28/150; 18.7%) than with the blunt suture needles (11/150; 7.3%) (P = 0.005). Glove perforation of the non-dominant hand occurred in 90% of the cases. Using a blunt suture needle took significantly more time (P < 0.001) to complete the repair than using a sharp needle. Surgeons reported that blunt needles were more difficult to use than sharp needles (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Blunt suture needles for episiotomy repair were shown to have a significantly lower instance of glove perforation but required more time and are perceived to be more difficult to complete the repair as compared to sharp needles.