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Episiotomy is a procedure in which the skin between the vagina and anus is cut. (This area is called the perineum.) Episiotomy is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered.
DescriptionJust before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area opening and makes one of two cuts:
- A mediolateral cut is angled down away from the vagina and into the muscle.
- A midline cut is made straight down between the vagina and anus.
The cut makes the opening to the vagina bigger. The cut is stitched closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedEpisiotomies were once routinely performed to prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Today, routine episiotomies are not recommended.
However, episiotomies may still be performed when there is a complicated delivery. An episiotomy may be needed if the baby's head or shoulders are too big for the mother's vaginal opening, or the baby is in a breech position (feet or buttocks coming first) and there is a problem during delivery.
It may also be needed to speed the delivery process if there is concern about the baby's heart rate.
RisksMany studies have found that the procedure offers no benefit in routine deliveries, and there is no evidence to suggest that it improves a woman's sexual function. It has also been found that women who have an episiotomy have more intercourse-related pain after pregnancy and take longer to resume having sex after childbirth.
If an episiotomy cut is made, there is more of a chance that it will become a larger tear or even extend into the muscles around the rectum. This can lead to later problems with controlling gas and sometimes stool. When no episiotomy is made and a woman is just allowed to tear, these problems are less likely to happen.
Additional risks include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Incontinence
- Infection
- Swelling
An episiotomy usually heals without problems and may be easier to repair than multiple tears.
Outlook (Prognosis)You can resume normal activities shortly after the birth. The stitches are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. You can relieve pain and discomfort with medication and ice in the first 24 hours, followed by warm baths.
ReferencesHartmann K, Viswanathan M, Palmieri R, Gartlehner G, Thorp J Jr, Lohr KN. Outcomes of routine episiotomy: a systematic review. JAMA. 2005;293(17):2141-2148.
American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists. Episiotomy. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin. 2006;71.
Carroli G, Mignini L. Episiotomy for vaginal birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;1:CD000081.
Frankman EA, Wang L, Bunker CH, Lowder JL. Episiotomy in the United States: has anything changed? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;200:573.e1-573.e7.
What else can I help you with?
During what stage of labor is an episiotomy done?
An episiotomy is done during the second stage of labor
How do you spell appeziotomy?
The surgical procedure, usually only performed during childbirth, is spelled episiotomy.
When does the doctor decide whether to do an episiotomy?
The decision to perform an episiotomy is generally not made until the second stage of labor, when delivery of the baby is imminent.
What characteristics does an abnormal episiotomy have?
An episiotomy incision that is too long or deep may extend into the rectum, causing more bleeding and an increased risk of infection. Additional tearing or tissue damage may occur beyond the episiotomy incision, leaving a cut and a.
What risks exist for the patient in undergoing an episiotomy?
Several side effects of episiotomy have been reported, including infection, increased pain, prolonged healing time, and increased discomfort once sexual intercourse is resumed. There is also the risk that the episiotomy incision.
Why is an episiotomy performed?
An episiotomy is a procedure where the skin between the vagina and the anus (the perineum) is cut. It is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered.
What has to be performed to prevent laceration of the tissues during delivery?
episiotomy
What stage could a women have an episiotomy?
This would occur at delivery.
What is the medical term meaning suture to repair an episiotomy?
Perineorrhaphy is the medical term meaning suture of the perineum. An episiotomy is a surgical incision into the perineum typically used to facilitate vaginal birth.
Which structures are cut during a mediolateral episiotomy?
During a mediolateral episiotomy, also called an oblique episiotomy, the vagina epithelium, skin, transversalius and bulbospongiosus muscles are cut. The mediolateral procedure reduces the risk of extensive tearing but is associated with increased post-partum pain and slow recovery.
How long does it take for episiotomy stitches take to heal?
4 to 6 weeks
What is the medical term meaning surgical incision and repair of the perineum to prevent tearing?
Episiotomy is the medical term meaning surgical incision of the perineum. Surgical repair after episiotomy is perineoplasty or perineorrhaphy, the latter meaning suture of the perineum.
