Effect of the Phenytoin Cream on Episiotomy Healing in Primipara Women

Episiotomy is one of the most common surgery interventions that is performed to facilitate the delivery. This study intends to determine the role of phenytoin cream on Episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women because phenytoin cream has antibacterial and anti-inflammation effects and accelerates effects of tissue repair. This is a double-blind clinical trial included 120 primiparous women in the age range of 18-35 underwent Episiotomy and referred to alzahra Medical Training Center of tabriz(2010). The cases were randomly selected and divided into two Phenytoin and Betadin(60 for each). After delivery all of the patients used this creams daily. Recovery assessment was conducted 24 h. and, also, 10 days after birth and was measured by REEDA scale (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation).Data were analyzed by t-test, chi-square, U-mann Whitney test, repeated- measurement design using SPSS/16. Comparison of the REEDA(Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) scores within the first 24 h. after delivery showed that mean scores in study and control groups were, respectively, 4.81 ± 1.87 and 5.07± 1.89. There are statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). By the tenth day of labor the mean score of the REEDA test in study group was 1. 1 ± 1. 15 and control group was 4.01 ±1.43. There was significant difference between both groups (P<0.001). Findings showed that use of topical phenytoin increases rapidity of Episiotomy wound healing. It is recommended to accelerate wound healing of Episiotomy on primiparous women.