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Comment
. 2008 Oct;103(1):5-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.05.026. Epub 2008 Jul 31.

The incision angle of mediolateral episiotomy before delivery and after repair

Vladimir Kalis  1 , Jaroslava Karbanova, Miroslav Horak, Libor Lobovsky, Milena Kralickova, Zdenek Rokyta
Affiliations
Comment

The incision angle of mediolateral episiotomy before delivery and after repair

Vladimir Kalis et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relevance of the suture angle when evaluating mediolateral episiotomy, and the safety of the accepted lower limit of 40 degrees for the incision angle.

Method: The angles formed by the incision and suture lines with the midline were measured, and any perineal tear noted, in 50 consecutive women undergoing their first vaginal delivery.

Results: The angles were significantly different (40 degrees and 22.5 degrees , respectively; P<0.001). The only variable significantly linked to the difference was the timing of the episiotomy.

Conclusion: The suture angle cannot currently be used to assess the adequacy of the incision angle; moreover, an incision angle of 40 degrees is probably too acute to prevent potential sphincter damage.

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Comment on

  • Episiotomy: what's the angle?
    DeLancey JO. DeLancey JO. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008 Oct;103(1):3-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.06.004. Epub 2008 Aug 21. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008. PMID: 18718590 No abstract available.

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