We wish to determine wich of two standardized suturing techniques is the best for perineal repair if a perineal laceration or an episiotomy is present after vaginal birth.

The participants are healthy primi para and deliver at term.

A randomised controlled trial with 400 participants was initiated in August 2004. The two suture techniques compared were both 2-layered and either continuous sutures or interrupted, inverted stitches to perineal muscles and the subcuticular layer. A polyglactin 910 multifilament thread on an atraumatic needle was used and the perineal skin was left unsutured. Healthy primiparas >36+0 weeks gestation could participate if they had a either a 2nd degree perineal laceration or an episiotomy.

The trial was a double-blind and analysis was done on an intention-to-treat basis. Main outcomes were pain, wound healing and patient satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

Primipara, 2nd degree perineal laceration or episiotomy. Vaginal birth of one child in occipital position terminating a pregnancy at 36 weeks or later. A soft cup used to deliver the baby was accepted. Participants must be able to understand and speak Danish.

Exclusion Criteria:

Perineal 3rd or 4th degree injuries, post partum haemorrhage extending 1000 ml. or manual removal of placenta, former perineal wounds, foetus mortuus or delivery of a child immediately transferred to the neonatal ward, Diabetes Mellitus, instrumental delivery, Caesarean Section or gemelli.