Female circumcision: a risk factor in postpartum haemorrhage
McSwiney, M.M.; Saunders, P.R.
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 38(3): 136-137
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3859 PMID: 1303416 Document Number: 343218
A major postpartum haemorrhage occurred in a patient with a previous history of female circumcision. Following assisted vaginal delivery 6 litre blood loss occurred as a result of tears to the vagina and perineum. The tears were sutured, followed by insertion of vaginal packs. Replacement fluid therapy was given. To reduce the incidence of tears and accompanying haemorrhage, it is advisable to perform two episiotomies viz. anterior and midline posterior or mediolateral.