[Episiotomy techniques]

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the different types of episiotomy and to define the methods of repair.

Methods: A systematic review on Medline and Cochrane Database between 1980 and August 2005 was performed.

Results: Aseptic prevention and specific material may be used in order to reduce the risk of surgical wound infection (grade C). Episiotomy and perineal repair may be associated with considerable pain. In contrast, there has been little evaluation of the effectiveness of analgesia provided to women undergoing this procedure. The mediolateral episiotomy is a 6 cm incision at a 45 degrees angle from the inferior portion of the hymeneal ring (professional agreement). However, shorter length and lower angled episiotomies are also currently reported for routine practice (grade C). There are no data to recommend preferential use of an absorbable synthetic material (acid polyglycolic versus polyglactin 910). The use for the more rapid polylactin 910 suture material was associated with less need to remove sutures but with more wound gapping in comparison with the standard polyglactin 910 material (grade A). The continuous subcuticular technique of perineal repair may be associated with less pain in the immediate postpartum period than the interrupted technique (grade A).

Conclusion: Mediolateral episiotomy is the method of choice in France. However, the procedure for this technique should be studied more. Subcuticular technique with an absorbable synthetic material may be the optimal method of repair.