Episiotomy: history, present and future – a review. (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghulmiyyah, L.; Sinno, S.; Mirza, F.; Finianos, E.; Nassar, A. H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 35:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1386
• Page End: 1391
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Episiotomy -- risks -- benefits -- restrictive use -- routine use; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1755647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Childbirth has always carried traumatic stress to the woman's body. To deliver with less perineal trauma, obstetricians have used episiotomies. Episiotomy is still a common practice despite the controversy regarding its use. Weighing the risks and benefits, the scientific literature supports its selective use. With the worldwide trend to reduce the rate of episiotomy, several techniques have been proposed to achieve that. However, further research is still needed to prove their efficacy. This review will shed light on the historical background of episiotomy, its different techniques, indications, and the future of its practice.