What is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is performed during childbirth to ease delivery when labor is prolonged, the baby is large, or an instrumental delivery is required. To prevent severe vaginal tears, a surgical incision is made between the vagina and anus.
Types of Episiotomy incisions
There are two types of Episiotomy incisions: midline, which runs straight from the vagina to the anus, and mediolateral, a diagonal cut at a 45-degree angle, reducing the risk of anal sphincter damage.
| Procedure Name | Episiotomy |
|---|---|
| Type of Procedure | Minor Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | |
| Recovery Duration | Around 30 days |
Episiotomy: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation
Before the procedure, the healthcare professional understands your medical history, such as any existing bleeding disorders or medication allergies. Furthermore, any herbal supplements, medications, or blood thinners that may interfere with the procedure will be asked to be discontinued.
During Episiotomy procedure
If you have not received an epidural, you will be given local anesthesia while lying on the labor bed to reduce the likelihood of pain during the procedure. Subsequently, episiotomy incisions are made at the perineum, the space between the vagina and the anus, using surgical scissors to widen the vagina and facilitate childbirth. In the second stage of labor, often known as the pushing stage, an episiotomy is performed if the infant is oxygen-depleted, in distress, or has particular difficulties, even though a natural tear is usually chosen for deliveries. After an episiotomy, the damaged perineal tissue is repaired with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery
After this surgery, it could take up to a month to heal. Pain and discomfort are usually observed following the initial weeks of episiotomy. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms, including severe pain, redness, pus, or difficulty passing stool (lasting longer than four days).
Post Episiotomy Care:
- To reduce the pain & discomfort, sit in the warm water tubs (sitz baths).
- To ease swelling & pain Apply ice packs, or perineal cold packs.
- As directed by your physician, take painkillers.
- Keep the area of the incision dry and clean.
- For six weeks, refrain from any sexual activity or activities that could cause your stitches to rupture.
Benefits of Episiotomy at Yashoda Hospitals
- Reduced risk of complications in child & mother.
- A method to ease instrumental delivery or childbirth.
- A method for fast delivery in an emergency.
- Lowers the possibility of severe tears in the anal sphincter
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