A DISCUSSION OF SOME OF THE LITERATURE RELATING TO HISTORY, REPAIR AND CONSEQUENCES OF PERINEAL TRAUMA

Objective: to review the key literature on perineal trauma, discussing the historical background, the materials and techniques used, the pos sible consequences of repair and assess midwives' current and potentia l contribution to perineal repair. Literature search: the literature w as identified using conventional search techniques: Midwifery Informat ion Resource Service (MIDIRS) and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirt h Database, Keywords used during the search were: episiotomy, perineal trauma and adverse effects, Associated Keywords words were sexuality, pain and psychology. Key conclusions: current practice in the UK is i nconsistent with the available evidence, perineal trauma can cause lon g term problems, and midwives are in an ideal position to take forward evidence-based perineal repair. Implications for practice: midwives n eed adequate education and training in perineal repair but are likely to be more effective in performing the repair, Systematic evaluation o f the impact of extending midwives' influence in this area is essentia l.