The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The effect of hypericum Perforatum (Perforan) on wound healing and pain of episiotomy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Katayoon Vakilian 1
Zeinab Alizadeh 2
Pegah Matouripour 2
Hanieh Abasinia 3
1 Assistant professor, Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
2 Instructor of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
3 Instructor of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2016.6582
Abstract
Introduction: Episiotomy is the most common surgical incision during vaginal delivery and has the risks like any other surgical incision. One of the factors which have been recently considered is the use of herbs. Hypericum perforatum extract inhibits the arachidonic acid and Cyclooxygenase enzyme and reduces inflammation and pain. Also, the extract of this plant has been used as an antiseptic for surgical wounds. This study was performed with aim to determine the effects of Hypericum perforatum on Episiotomy wound healing.
Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 women who underwent episiotomy in Arak Taleghani educational hospital in 2015. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Intervention group (receiving Hypericum Perforatum ointment) and control group (receiving placebo ointment). Pain severity was assessed using VAS and wound healing was measured by REEDA before the intervention, 5 and 10 days after the intervention. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 16), and Chi-square and independent t tests. PResults: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of baseline pain and the primary appearance of the wound before the intervention (P=0.9 and P=0.97, respectively). In the intervention group, pain severity (P=0.1) and wound healing (P=0.9) after 5 days of intervention was not significantly different with control group. But, at 10th days of intervention, pain severity (P=0.004) and wound healing (P=0.02) was significantly different with control group. The subjects in the intervention group had less pain and more wound healing compared to control group.
Conclusion: Hypericum Perforatum ointment is suggested for pain reduction and increasing wound healing in episiotomy.
Keywords
Episiotomy
Hypericum Perforatum ointment
Wound healing
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