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How to perform an episiotomy.

Mary Steen¹, Bernie Cummins²

¹School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)

|February 11, 2016

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An episiotomy, a surgical incision to aid childbirth, should not be routine but used judiciously by clinicians. Adequate pain relief is essential before performing this procedure when clinically indicated.

Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Surgical Procedures in Childbirth

Background:

An episiotomy is a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening for childbirth.
Its use is debated and should be based on specific clinical indications.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide guidance on the appropriate use of episiotomy.
To emphasize clinical judgment and evidence-based practice in obstetric procedures.

Main Methods:

Clinical assessment and judgment by midwives and doctors.
Application of evidence-based guidelines for obstetric interventions.

Main Results:

Episiotomy should not be performed routinely.
Its application should be restricted to specific indications requiring clinical assessment.

Keywords:

childbirth clinical procedures clinical skills episiotomy intrapartum care midwifery practice perineal wounds surgical incision

Related Experiment Videos

Pain relief must be adequately provided prior to the procedure.

Conclusions:

Episiotomy is an intervention to be used selectively, not routinely.
Clinicians must exercise judgment regarding indications and ensure adequate pain management.
This practice update aims to refine clinical skills for evidence-based childbirth assistance.