Episiotomy |
| Definition: |
| Surgical procedure that involves cutting the perineum during labor to enlarge the vaginal opening and help delivery, while preventing spontaneous vaginal tears. |
| Description: |
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Just before the baby is born and while the woman is awake and pain-free (local anesthesia), the obstetrician makes an incision at the bottom of the vaginal opening. This enlarges the vaginal opening to prevent vaginal tears as the baby's head is delivered. The incision is stitched (sutured) closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered. |
| Indications: |
| An episiotomy is done to enlarge the vaginal opening to prevent tearing during birth. |
| Risks: |
Risks for any anesthesia are:
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| Expectations after surgery: |
| An episiotomy usually heals without problems. It prevents tears, which may take longer to heal than the surgical incision. Also, it is thought that the surgery helps prevent vaginal stretching later in life. |
| Convalescence: |
| Healing is without complications. Normal activities can be resumed shortly after birth. Proper hygiene and avoidance of constipation is advised (if possible). The stitches (sutures) will be absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. Pain and discomfort can be relieved with warm baths and medications. |
Reviewed By: Dominic Marchiano, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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