Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2018.57.01.14

Modified Ritgen Maneuver in Perineal Protection – Sixty-Year Experience

Dubravko Habek orcid.org/0000-0003-1304-9279 ; University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Tikvica Luetić ; University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
Ingrid Marton ; University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
Matija Prka ; University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
Goran Pavlović ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bjelovar General Hospital, Bjelovar, Croatia
Željka Kuljak ; University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
Deana Švanjug ; University of Rijeka, Faculty od Health Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia
Zdenka Mužina ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bjelovar General Hospital, Bjelovar, Croatia

Abstract

The aim is to present the 60-year experience in modified Ritgen maneuver according to perineal injuries. This retrospective clinical observational study (1950-2010) analyzed the impact of modified Ritgen maneuver delivery technique (controlled fetal head deflexion with left hand and synchronous reduction of perineal strain with extended right hand thumb along the right side of the vulva and perineum without pushing) on peripartum perineal tears at the Maternity Ward, Bjelovar General Hospital in Bjelovar, Croatia, divided into five-year intervals. The rate of perineal tear in general was less than 5% until 2000. The rate of perineal tear grade I was very low until 1995, then increased to 8.6% in 2010, yet never exceeding 10%. The rate of perineal tear grade II never exceeded 2%, whereas perineal tear grade III was a sporadic event never exceeding 0.4% of the study material with a single case of grade IV tear. The rate of intact perineum in vaginal deliveries without episiotomy ranged from 96.2% to 100% in the 1950-1960 period, with a decrease to 46% in 2010. The study revealed the modification of Ritgen maneuver described to have resulted in significant reduction of all grades of perineal tear over decades.

Keywords

Delivery, obstetric; Perineum – injuries; Anal canal – injuries; Lacerations – prevention and control; Croatia

Hrčak ID:

202061

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/202061

Publication date:

1.3.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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