Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41148318›Full record

SynthesisInternational urogynecology journal2026

Varying Incidence and Definitions of Infection and Wound Dehiscence After Second-Degree Tear or Episiotomy: A Systematic Review.

Kathrine Perslev, Niels Klarskov, Thomas Bergholt, Hanna Jangö

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in International urogynecology journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kathrine PerslevDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Herlev University Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 15, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. Kathrine.perslev@regionh.dk.ORCID 0000-0001-5201-8171
Niels KlarskovDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Herlev University Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 15, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
Thomas BergholtDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Herlev University Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 15, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
Hanna JangöDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Herlev University Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 15, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introduction and hypothesisObstetric tears are a common complication of vaginal delivery, with second-degree tears and episiotomies being the most prevalent types. Despite their prevalence, the incidence of healing complications are not clearly defined. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge.

methodsThis systematic review examines the risk of wound dehiscence and infection following second-degree tears and episiotomies. Literature searches were conducted across three databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Two authors independently and blindly selected studies deemed relevant based on their title and abstract. Full-text screening was then performed, and included studies were assessed for risk of bias.

resultsThe review included 15 papers and found that the risk of infection ranged from 0 to 30%, and wound dehiscence from 0 to 22%. However, the review revealed substantial variation in definitions, evaluation methods, assessment timing, and preventive treatments. Studies incorporating clinical evaluations 1-3 weeks postpartum reported a higher prevalence of complications (infection 5.3%, dehiscence 9.3%) compared to those without such assessments (infection 1.8%, dehiscence 3.6%).

conclusionsSecond-degree tears and episiotomies are common, with up to 30% experiencing healing complications. This review found higher rates in studies with clinical follow-up 1-3 weeks postpartum, though precise estimates are limited by varying follow-up times and outcome definitions. This underscores the need for further research and increased clinical focus on these complications.

Indexed as

EpisiotomyLacerationsObstetric Labor ComplicationsSurgical Wound DehiscenceSurgical Wound InfectionFemaleHumansIncidencePerineumPregnancyEpisiotomySecond degree tearWound dehiscenceWound infection

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.