Source: Eur Urol  |  Posted 5 years ago

By Maggie Schwarz

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- May 10, 2006 -- Physicians reported a high level of technical satisfaction and ease of use when rating blunt suture needles for use in repairing episiotomies and lacerations, according to research presented here at the 54[^]th[] Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Sara J. Winchell, DO, resident in obstetrics/gynecology, Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, reported results of a physician survey in a presentation on May 8[^]th[].

About 800,000 needlestick injuries occur annually among health care workers, putting these individuals at risk of blood borne pathogens, the researchers said in their poster. Dr. Winchell reported that blunt needles are being studied to reduce needlestick injuries in caesarean sections and uterine and fascia closures.

To determine whether blunt suture needles represent a safe and effective alternative to sharp needles, Dr. Winchell and colleagues Jordan H. Perlow, MD, administered the survey to 80 physicians at their institution who used blunt needles to perform laceration and episiotomy repairs in vaginal deliveries from November 2004 through June 2005.

Physicians were surveyed about their use of blunt suture needles and their personal histories of needlestick injuries. Participants rated their blunt suture needle experience and indicated whether they would use blunt suture needles in future.

Eighty surveys were completed by 29 attending physicians, 31 upper level residents and 20 interns. The vast majority of physicians reported previous needlestick injuries (83%) and all admitted having concerns about these injuries.

Blunt suture needles were rated as excellent or good by 92.5% of participants, and 77.5% would consider using them for repairs at vaginal delivery in all future patients. Physicians with more surgical experience rated blunt suture needles more favorably than did interns (P <.001). No needlestick injuries or glove perforations occurred during blunt needle repairs.

Dr. Winchell said she sees no reason not to use blunt needles in nongynecologic procedures, since 92.5% of physicians in her survey found they worked as well as sharp needles. She conceded that senior residents and attending physicians rated the blunt needles better than did physicians with less experience.

"You're less likely to inadvertently puncture the glove with a blunt than with a sharp needle," Dr. Winchell concluded.

[Presentation title: Blunt Suture Needle Use in Laceration and Episiotomy Repair at Vaginal Delivery. Abstract P. 29s]