Definition of Episiotomy
Episiotomy: A surgical procedure for widening the
outlet of the birth canal to facilitate delivery of the baby and to
avoid a jagged rip of the perineum (the area between the anus and the
vulva, the opening to the vagina).
During an episiotomy, an incision is made between the vagina and
the
rectum. The usual cut goes straight down and does not involve the
muscles around the rectum or the rectum itself.
An episiotomy can decrease the amount of maternal pushing, trauma
to the vaginal tissues and expedite delivery of the baby when
delivery is necessary quickly. The repair is straightforward and is
fairly simple.
However, episiotomy is also associated with a higher incidence of
extensions or tears into the muscle of the rectum or even the rectum
itself which is more difficult to repair and more painful for the
mother.
The typical healing time for an episiotomy is about 4-6 weeks
depending on the size of the incision and the type of suture material
used to close the episiotomy.
Last Editorial Review: 2/10/1999
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