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Does the Epi-No® Birth Trainer reduce levator trauma? A randomised controlled trial

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether antepartum use of a birth trainer may reduce levator trauma.

Methods

Two hundred nulliparous women were examined with four-dimensional translabial ultrasonography at 35–37 weeks of gestation and 3 months postpartum in a randomised controlled pilot study. Women in the intervention group were instructed to use the birth trainer from 37 weeks onwards.

Results

One hundred forty-six women returned for follow-up 5.6 months (range 2.3–22.1) after childbirth. Seventy-eight of them had had normal vaginal deliveries (53%), 32 vacuum/forceps (22%) and 36 a caesarean section (25%). The risk of avulsion was halved in the intervention group (6% vs 13%, P = 0.19) on modified intention to treat analysis. A treatment received analysis revealed a nonsignificant 42% and 30% reduction in levator avulsion and microtrauma, respectively (P ≥ 0.22).

Conclusions

This pilot randomised controlled trial showed a nonsignificantly lower incidence of pelvic floor muscle injury in women who used the Epi-No® device from 37 weeks onwards.

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Acknowledgements

The Epi-No® Birth Trainer was donated by the Starnberg Medical, Tecsana GMBH, Muenchen, Germany.

Conflict of interest statement

KL Shek, V Chantarasorn, S Langer and H Phipps have no conflict of interest to declare. HP Dietz has acted as a consultant for AMS (American Medical Systems) and CCS (Continence Control Systems); has accepted Speaker’s fees from GE (General Electric), AMS and Astellas and has benefited from equipment loans provided by GE, Bruel and Kjaer and Toshiba.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nepean Clinical School, Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2750, Australia

    Ka Lai Shek, Varisara Chantarasorn, Susanne Langer & Hans Peter Dietz

  2. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Women and Babies, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Hala Phipps

Authors
  1. Ka Lai Shek
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  2. Varisara Chantarasorn
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  3. Susanne Langer
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  4. Hala Phipps
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  5. Hans Peter Dietz
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ka Lai Shek.

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Shek, K.L., Chantarasorn, V., Langer, S. et al. Does the Epi-No® Birth Trainer reduce levator trauma? A randomised controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 22, 1521–1528 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1517-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1517-x

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