Curved versus straight scissors to avoid 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears: a randomised feasibility study.

Background: Severe perineal tears sustained during childbirth cause significant distress and morbidity amongst women. The objective of this study was to compare the use of straight scissors for cutting an episiotomy with the use of curved scissors, which are designed to curve away from the anal sphincter.

Methods: We used a single-centre, randomised feasibility trial.