Comparing outcomes of marked versus unmarked episiotomy during labor

Short and Long Term Outcomes of Patients With and Without Pre-marked Episiotomy Location

Not applicable Interventional Soroka University Medical Center · NCT04719533

This study is testing whether marking the spot for an episiotomy before it's done can help reduce complications for women in labor.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorSoroka University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Be'er Sheva)
Trial IDNCT04719533 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes for women who undergo episiotomy during the second stage of labor, specifically comparing those who have the episiotomy location marked beforehand to those who do not. It is a prospective randomized-controlled trial designed to test the hypothesis that pre-marking the episiotomy location will lead to fewer complications. Participants will be women aged 18 and older who are in active labor and consent to the study. The outcomes will focus on complications related to episiotomy, including infections and extended lacerations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older who are in active labor and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years of age or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce complications associated with episiotomy, improving recovery and overall maternal health.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited existing research on the pre-marking of episiotomy locations, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* women 18 years of age or older who present in active labour to our center and consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* women under 18 years of age or those who do not or are unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Be'er Sheva

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 EpisiotomyComplicationsEpisiotomy Extended by LacerationEpisiotomy Infectionepisiotomyepisiotomy complicationspremarked episiotomy
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.