[Liberal versus restrictive practice of episiotomy: do there exist specific obstetrical indications for episiotomy?]

To analyze the literature comparing two different policies for episotomy practice: liberal versus restrictive use. To search and discuss specific indications for episiotomy.

The Medline base was analyzed from 1970 to 2005. The articles where selected by using the key word episiotomy and selective or restrictive and routine or liberal. Every potential indications was crossed with episotomy.

A policy implying a liberal practice of episiotomy is not better compared to a restrictive policy. The evidence-based medical literature favors avoiding routine episiotomy in low risk deliveries. Data are quite scarce concerning the different specific indications for episiotomy, and finally we can retain only one specific indication which is the short perineum when the distance between the fourchette and the center of the anus is less than 3 cm. Nevertheless, in order to improve delivery conditions obstetricians can advisably use episiotomy in accordance with their clinical assessment.

There is no evidence in the literature favoring a liberal policy over a restrictive policy for the use of episiotomy, both in terms of fetal (Grade C) and maternal (Grade A) indications. A number of obstetrical situations considered as at risk do not systematically indicate an episiotomy. There are however circumstances in which a pertinent and prudent clinical assessment will lead the obstetrician to use an episiotomy.