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Every year, millions of women undergo episiotomies, a surgical procedure that involves cutting the pelvic-floor muscles to assist with childbirth. Despite its widespread use, the mechanics behind the procedure remain largely unstudied. However, a groundbreaking research project is set to change this, addressing a significant gap in women’s health and potentially revolutionizing surgical practices.
An episiotomy is typically performed to prevent severe vaginal tears or other complications during delivery. However, the procedure itself can result in lasting pain, incontinence, infections, and even sexual dysfunction. Currently, episiotomy techniques are often guided by the surgeon’s judgment and experience, leaving little standardization or understanding of how incisions spread during childbirth.
This new research, funded by a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s BRITE (Boosting Research Ideas for Transformative and Equitable Advances) program, is a collaboration between UC Riverside and Northern Arizona University (NAU). The funding will support experimental research led by Mona Eskandari, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UC Riverside, alongside computational modeling conducted by Heidi Feigenbaum, a professor of mechanical engineering at NAU.
The study integrates advanced experimental techniques with predictive computational simulations, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the mechanics of childbirth and how surgical incisions spread. By exploring the softening and stretching of pelvic-floor muscles, the researchers hope to better understand how episiotomy cuts impact tissue and the likelihood of tearing, which could lead to safer, more effective surgical practices.
Eskandari, known for her work in biomechanics, previously developed innovative techniques to study lung tissue and other soft biological materials. She believes that this research could provide critical insights into the stresses involved in episiotomy procedures and how they contribute to tears. “The stresses and tears associated with episiotomies are poorly understood,” Eskandari said. “By understanding how incisions spread, we can make deliveries safer and less traumatic for mothers.”
Heidi Feigenbaum, who is leading the computational aspect of the project, added, “The nonlinear, finite strain, and viscoelastic properties of pelvic tissues are rarely considered in surgical planning. This research could challenge long-held assumptions in biomechanics and result in better guidance for surgeons.”
Due to the challenges of human cadaveric testing, the research team is utilizing rat models to gather biomechanical data. Their goal is to develop more precise guidelines for surgeons, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and reducing the physical toll on mothers who undergo episiotomies.
The findings of this study could have significant implications for clinical practice, potentially leading to changes in how episiotomies are performed and ultimately benefiting women’s health worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research funded by the National Science Foundation and conducted by researchers from UC Riverside and Northern Arizona University. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the funding agency.
