American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 198, Issue 5 , Pages e14-e15, May 2008

Blunt suture needle use in laceration and episiotomy repair at vaginal delivery

Presented at the Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetrics, Washington, DC, May 8, 2006.

  • Sara J. Mornar, DO

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, IL.
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprints: Sara J. Mornar, DO, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago Hospitals, MC2050, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637.
    • ,
  • Jordan H. Perlow, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ

Received 14 May 2007; received in revised form 10 August 2007; accepted 26 September 2007. published online 21 January 2008.

Objective

By surveying obstetricians regarding the use of blunt suture needles for laceration and episiotomy repair, the purpose of this study was to determine whether blunt suture needles represent a safe and effective alternative to sharp needles.

Study Design

Blunt suture needles were made available at our institution for repairs at vaginal delivery. Participating physicians indicated their personal history of needlestick injuries and rated the blunt suture needle after completing the repair. Categorical variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and a 2-tailed P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Attending and resident physicians completed 80 surveys, and 83% reported previous needlestick injuries. Blunt suture needles were rated as excellent or good by 92.5% (95% confidence interval 84.6 to 96.5%). No needlestick injuries occurred.

Conclusion

In an effort to reduce needlestick injuries, the use of blunt suture needles is safe and effective for repairs at vaginal delivery.

Key words: blood-borne pathogens, blunt needle, needlestick injuries, prevention

 

PII: S0002-9378(07)01195-7

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.09.051

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 198, Issue 5 , Pages e14-e15, May 2008

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