Pulsating electromagnetic fields for perineal lacerations and surgical wounds healing in the postpartum: a pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of our study was to assess the possible benefits of Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance (TMR) in the treatment of spontaneous perineal lacerations and episiotomies in the postpartum. Methods We performed a prospective, non-pharmacologic, non-profit, monocentric interventional study on women who had a spontaneous laceration and/or an episiotomy at delivery. The TMR device treatment was accepted by 52 women, while 120 women underwent standard care. Patients were visited 1 day postpartum, before starting the treatment; then a follow-up visit was performed at 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 3 months after delivery. The main endpoint was the time required for complete healing of the laceration and/or the episiotomy. Secondary endpoints were the prevalence of dehiscence, infections, urinary discomfort, urinary leakage, and the quality of restoration of sexual function. Results In the treatment group the REEDA score was significantly better both at 3- and 5-weeks postpartum follow-up. At 3 weeks and 5 weeks postpartum, we observed a significantly better outcome in the treatment group for all subjective complaints and perineal complications associated with lacerations and episiotomies. The percentage of patients who scored above the cutoff for sexual dysfunction was significantly better in the treatment group (83.3%) than in the control group (31.8%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions With this pilot study, we introduced low dose Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) as a novel conservative and not pharmacological approach to reduce complications of perineal lesions. Our results demonstrated to significantly improve perineal wound healing and to ameliorate the sexual function in the postpartum.