Episiotomy is the simplest form of Assisted Delivery.

EPISIOTOMY is an incision made in the vaginal wall, during labor, to facilitate birth of the baby.

It is usually performed during childbirth, just before the largest portion of the baby's head passes through. Episiotomy decreases likelihood of injury to the baby's head and prevents damage to the mother's vagina, urinary bladder and rectum.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

It is performed under Local anesthesia

• An incision is made in the perineum, just before the widest part of the baby's head is to be delivered. The size of the incision depends on how large an opening is required for the baby's head to pass through safely. For this two fingers are placed in the vagina between the baby's head and the vaginal wall.
• The baby and placenta are delivered.
• The surgical area is repaired with absorbable sutures.

Majority of cases heal completely, without complications, in about 6 weeks. In some cases there may be

• Excessive bleeding
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Inadvertent injury to anal sphincter or rectum.

TREATMENT

SELF CARE

• Cleanse the surgical area with warm water after passing urine or stools.
• Take hot Seitz baths several times a day as long as you experience discomfort.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

• Resume sexual relations when your doctor declares that healing is complete. You should not be embarrassed in asking your doctor about resumption of sexual activity.

BE ALERT FOR

• Increasing Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding or oozing.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.