Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
[Episiotomy and prevention of perineal and pelvic floor injuries]
R de Tayrac1, L Panel, G Masson
1Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Carémeau, place du Professeur-Robert-Debré, 30900 Nîmes Cedex 9. renaud.detayrac@chu-nimes.fr
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of episiotomy to prevent severe perineal tears, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and genital prolapse.
Material And Methods:
A systematic review on Medline database was performed between 1980 and 2005. One hundred seventy seven articles were selected. Trial quality was assessed on the following parameters: design (prospective, randomized, meta-analysis), sample size (>50) and relevant results. Finally, 43 articles were analysed.
Results:
The routine use of episiotomy did not prevent severe perineal tears. It decreased the risk of moderate anterior perineal lacerations. The risk of severe perineal tears during episiotomy increased in the following circumstances: primiparity, Asian women, perineal length
Conclusion:
The routine use of episiotomy to prevent severe perineal tears, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and genital prolapse should be abandoned.
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