Episiotomy or Vaginal Cutting During Childbirth

What is an Episiotomy? Why is it Done?

pisiotomy is a procedure, considered to be helpful in making the process of childbirth more convenient. Also known as perineotomy, this is a surgical procedure which has been performed by the mid-wife or obstetrician to enable a quick labor.

Episiotomy is performed during the second stage of labor by making an enlarged opening so that baby can pass out easily. In this procedure, an incision is done from vulva towards the anus at 90 degree and other options could be from posterior towards the end of vulva which is also termed as medio-lateral episiotomy. It is performed under local anesthesia and the cut is sutured after the delivery.

This technique for aiding the normal childbirth was much popular earlier, but now, practitioners avoid this process owing to many side effects which can affect health. In some countries, episiotomy is common but in some countries, this technique is not very common.

Episiotomy may be performed as medial, lateral, medio-lateral incision, depending on the requirement. Sometimes, a J- shaped incision may have to be made, to facilitate easy labor, depending on the baby's position and several other factors.

However, this procedure is now controversial as it can be risky in some cases. The anus is very close to the incision and there are chances of damaging the anus or the perineum, which can have severe impact on the mother's health. But there may be some conditions, when episiotomy needs to be performed.