[Consequences of a deliberate fluctuation in the number of episiotomies]

The indications for episiotomy have been considerably extended until it has become a virtually routine operation in primiparous mothers and for previously incised multiparous women. These excesses must be clearly demonstrated. For one year, a policy of persuasion was applied: by comparing the results, it was obvious that a reduction in the number of episiotomies was accompanied by an increase in the number of intact perinea with non increase in the incidence of serious tears. The restriction of the indications should be continued in the light of recent studies.