Comparing conservative treatment and resuturing for perineal wound dehiscence after vaginal delivery

Dehisced Perineal Tear After Vaginal Labour (HEAL) - Conservative Treatment or Resuturing

Observational Herlev Hospital · NCT06026423

This study is testing whether treating perineal wound dehiscence after vaginal delivery with conservative methods or resuturing helps women heal better in the short and long term.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorHerlev Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Herlev)
Trial IDNCT06026423 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes for women experiencing perineal wound dehiscence after childbirth. It will compare conservative management with secondary suturing in women who have had a primary repair of a second-degree tear or episiotomy. Participants will undergo gynecological examinations, have pictures taken of their healing process, and complete questionnaires at various intervals post-delivery. The study seeks to provide evidence to guide best practices in managing perineal wound dehiscence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who have had a vaginal delivery with a primary repair of a second-degree perineal tear or episiotomy.

Not a fit: Patients with first, third, or fourth-degree tears, or those who had a cesarean section will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for women suffering from perineal wound dehiscence, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: This study addresses a gap in existing literature, as there is currently no consensus on the best management approach for perineal wound dehiscence, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women with a vaginal delivery who have had a primary repair of a second-degree perineal tear or episiotomy
* At least 18 years old
* Able to understand, read and speak Danish or English
* Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* None, first, third- and fourth-degree tear
* Cesarean Section

Where this trial is running

Herlev

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dehiscence WoundSecondary Perineal TearEpisiotomyDehiscence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.