Episiotomy and its complications: A cross sectional study in secondary care hospital

Episiotomy is a commonly performed procedure at the time of vaginal delivery to prevent perineal lacerations. A study was conducted to evaluate the complications of episiotomy. A sample size of 235 patients was taken. The complications were divided in two groups depending on the time of occurrence after delivery. Out of 235 patients, immediate complications were reported in 10(4.3%) patients. These included perineal tears, postpartum haemorrhage, extended episiotomy, perineal pain, inability to pass urine or stool and vaginal haematoma. Early complications including wound infection, gaping wound and resuturing of wound were reported in 21(8.9%) patients. On multivariate analysis, it was seen that age (19-29 years) was significantly associated with complications. Mediolateral episiotomy is a safe obstetrical surgical procedure in order to prevent third and fourth degree perineal tears and is not associated with increased incidence of complications.