Episiotomy
Definition
 |
Episiotomy is a procedure where the skin between the vagina and the anus is cut. (This area is called the the perineum.) Episiotomy is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered.
Description
Just before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area 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.
Risks
Episiotomies were once routinely performed to prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Today, routine episiotomies are not recommended, and the The American College of Obstetrician-Gynecologists recommends the procedure only in some deliveries. A review of episiotomies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that the procedure offers no benefit, and stated there was no evidence to suggest it improves a woman's sexual function. It also found that women who have an episiotomy have more intercourse-related pain after pregnancy and take longer to resume having sex after childbirth.
Additional risks include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Incontinence
- Infection
- Swelling
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |
