Effectiveness of Olea Herbal Ointment on Episiotomy Wound Healing Among Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Episiotomy is a surgical incision in the perineal region to increase the vaginal diameter during delivery. Since the perineal region is not well visible to the mothers and there is a possibility of infection for the episiotomy wound by vaginal and rectal bacteria, such a cut is associated with infection and delay in wound healing. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the effect of Olea ointment on episiotomy wound healing among primiparous women. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 73 women referring to the Al-Zahra Education, Research, and Remedial Center in Rasht, Iran, during 2017 - 18. Women were randomly assigned into two groups: Intervention group (n = 39) and control group (n = 34). Episiotomy wound healing was assessed using the REEDA scale prior to the intervention, 2 and 24 hours following the first intervention, and 5 and 10 days after delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, independent t-test, repeated-measure test, Friedman test, and chi-square. Results: The mean baseline scores of REEDA was 2.72 ± 0.46 in the Olea ointment group and 2.71 ± 0.46 in the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. On the other hand, the episiotomy healing scores in the Olea ointment group were significantly lower than those of the control group at four intervals in the follow-up assessments: -0.34 (95% CI: -0.56 to -0.12) two hours after intervention, -0.63(95% CI: -0.89 to -0.37) 24 hours after intervention, -0.30 (95% CI: -0.48 to -0.12) on Day 5 postpartum, and -0.29 (95% CI: -0.46 to -0.13) on Day 10 postpartum. Conclusions: The present findings suggested that the Olea ointment facilitated wound healing of episiotomy; however, further studies are suggested to support these data.