Episiotomy and Repair

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Indications & Basics - The Kindest Cut?

  • Surgical incision of perineum & posterior vaginal wall to enlarge vaginal outlet during late 2nd stage of labor.
  • Goal: Prevent uncontrolled perineal tears, facilitate delivery.
  • Current View: Selective use, not routine. "Kindest cut" is debatable; benefits weighed against risks.
  • Indications (Maternal/Fetal):
    • Fetal distress requiring expedited delivery.
    • Shoulder dystocia (e.g., McRoberts maneuver insufficient).
    • Operative vaginal delivery (forceps, ventouse).
    • Rigid perineum impeding delivery.
    • To prevent severe spontaneous tear in high-risk cases. Midline and mediolateral episiotomy approaches

⭐ Routine episiotomy is associated with an increased risk of third and fourth-degree perineal tears compared to restrictive use (Cochrane Review).

Types & Procedure - Precision Cuts

  • Purpose: Enlarge vaginal outlet to facilitate delivery, prevent uncontrolled tears.
  • Timing: During contraction, at crowning (3-4 cm head visible).
  • Anesthesia: Pudendal block or local infiltration (1% Lignocaine).
  • Technique: Sterile episiotomy scissors (e.g., Braun-Stadler); single, deliberate cut (3-5 cm).
TypeAngle/DirectionAdvantagesDisadvantages
Mediolateral45°-60° from fourchette to ischial tuberosity↓ Severe tear risk (3rd/4th deg)↑ Blood loss, pain; harder repair; dyspareunia
MidlineVertical from fourchette in midlineEasy repair; ↓ pain, blood loss; good healing↑ Risk of 3rd/4th deg tear (sphincter injury)

Mediolateral vs. Midline Episiotomy Incisions

⭐ The incision for a mediolateral episiotomy is ideally made at an angle of 60° from the midline as the perineum is stretched during crowning; this becomes approximately 45° after delivery.

Repair Techniques - Suture Science

  • Goal: Precise anatomical restoration, ensure hemostasis, minimize pain and infection risk.
  • Suture Choice: Absorbable sutures are standard.
    • Synthetic braided: Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), Polyglycolic acid (Dexon). Good handling, strength. Size 2-0 or 3-0.
    • Synthetic monofilament: Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) for skin/subcuticular. Rapid absorption.
    • Chromic catgut: Infrequent use due to higher tissue reactivity.
  • Layered Closure Technique:
    • Vaginal Mucosa: Continuous non-locking stitch (e.g., Vicryl 2-0). Initiate 1 cm above the apex.

      ⭐ Continuous non-locking technique for vaginal mucosa repair is associated with less early postpartum pain.

    • Perineal Muscles: Interrupted or continuous figure-of-eight stitches (e.g., Vicryl 2-0).
    • Perineal Skin/Subcuticular: Continuous subcuticular stitch (e.g., Monocryl 3-0 or 4-0) for optimal cosmesis and reduced pain. Episiotomy Repair Suture Technique

Complications & Care - Healing Hurdles

  • Immediate Complications:
    • Pain (most common)
    • Bleeding, hematoma formation
    • Infection: cellulitis, abscess; assess with REEDA scale (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation)
    • Wound dehiscence
    • Extension to 3rd/4th degree tears
  • Late Complications:
    • Dyspareunia, apareunia
    • Chronic perineal pain, neuroma
    • Scar endometriosis
    • Fistula (rectovaginal)
    • Anal incontinence (fecal/flatal)
  • Post-operative Care:
    • Analgesia: NSAIDs, paracetamol
    • Local: Ice packs (first 24-48h), warm sitz baths (after 24h), perineal hygiene (front to back)
    • Diet: High fiber, stool softeners (e.g., lactulose)
    • Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
    • Follow-up: Wound check, address concerns.

⭐ Breakdown of episiotomy repair (dehiscence) occurs in 0.1-5% of cases; risk factors include infection, hematoma, and poor surgical technique.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Mediolateral episiotomy is preferred, angled 45-60° to avoid sphincter injury.
  • Indications: fetal distress, shoulder dystocia, instrumental delivery, rigid perineum.
  • Muscles cut (mediolateral): Bulbospongiosus, Superficial transverse perineal, part of Levator ani.
  • Repair in three layers (vaginal mucosa, muscles, skin) with absorbable sutures.
  • Median episiotomy: easier repair, less pain, but ↑ risk of sphincter tears.
  • Performed at crowning (3-4 cm head visible) to prevent uncontrolled tears.
  • Complications: pain, infection, bleeding, dyspareunia, fistula (rare).

Practice Questions: Episiotomy and Repair

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All are complications of vacuum-assisted delivery over forceps delivery except:

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Flashcards: Episiotomy and Repair

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Mediolateral episiotomy causes _____ blood loss compared to medial episiotomy

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Mediolateral episiotomy causes _____ blood loss compared to medial episiotomy

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