Episiotomy(Perineum Incision; Incision, Perineum)Pronounced: ip-eez-ee-AWT-o-me
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Julie Rackliffe Lucey, MS DefinitionThe perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus. It is made up of skin and muscle. During an episiotomy, an incision is made in the perineum. Reasons for ProcedureThe incision is made to make the vaginal opening larger during birth. In the past, this incision was common. But it is no longer routinely done. Your doctor may do an episiotomy if:
Possible ComplicationsSome short-term complications may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureDuring a prenatal visit, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of an episiotomy. AnesthesiaIf you have not had epidural anesthesia during labor, the doctor may use local or regional anesthesia. Description of the ProcedureThe infant's head will start to stretch the vaginal opening. Special scissors will be used to make an incision in the perineum area. There are 2 different incisions that may be used:
After delivery of the baby and placenta, your doctor will close the incision with absorbable stitches. How Long Will It Take?This is done during childbirth. Will It Hurt?If you receive anesthesia, you will not feel pain during the procedure. After delivery, most women have discomfort and swelling. You may need to take pain medication. Average Hospital StayThe usual length of stay for vaginal delivery is 2 days. An episiotomy will not extend your stay. Postoperative CareYour stitches will dissolve in about 10 days. The cut will heal within about 2 weeks. There may still be some soreness until the skin gets its natural strength back. This could take up to 6 weeks. During that time, you may find it uncomfortable to sit or walk. While you recover:
Call Your DoctorAfter arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American College of Nurse-Midwives http://www.midwife.org American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:Episiotomies. Brigham and Women's Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 12, 2017. Episiotomy. ACOG practice bulletin No. 71.
Obstet Gynecol.
2006;107:957-962. Episiotomy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 2015. Accessed September 12, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 9/24/2014 |
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