Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0420
ISSN: 2167-0420
Adriana Amorim Francisco
University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Womens Health Care
Birth related perineal trauma, which is characterized by an episiotomy, spontaneous lacerations or both, is frequently associated with vaginal birth. These traumas are associated with perineal pain, healing complications, physical limitation and emotional problems, in the short and long term. These morbidities is closely related to the degree of the perineal trauma. Several methods have been proposed to treat postpartum perineal problems, that include pharmacological methods, such as acetaminophen oral administration, rectal analgesia and topically applied anaesthetics, and nonpharmacological methods, like ultrasound, ice-pack and laser applications. Laser, which stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, is an energy which is transformed into a luminous energy and might be or not visible, depending on which material produces the radiation. Low-level laser therapy application is commonly used in the healthcare area as a method to promote analgesia in stomatitis, wound tissular healing and to reduce the inflammatory response. This is a pilot study protocol, which aim to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on perineal pain and healing after local trauma. We will include women after vaginal birth, with episiotomy or first or second degree laceration, with perineal pain intensity > three. They will be divided into two groups: experimental group will receive laser application and control group will receive a placebo laser irradiation. Perineal pain will be evaluated by using the numerical rating scale (from 0-10) and Semmes Weinstein monofilaments. Perineal healing will be assessed using REEDA scale and pictures from the perineal region.
Email: adrianaaf@usp.br