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Selective Episiotomy: Indications, Techinique, and Association with Severe Perineal Lacerations

Overview of attention for article published in Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, July 2016
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Title
Selective Episiotomy: Indications, Techinique, and Association with Severe Perineal Lacerations
Published in
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, July 2016
DOI 10.1055/s-0036-1584942
Pubmed ID
Authors

Mário Dias Corrêa Junior, Renato Passini Júnior

Abstract

Introduction Episiotomy is a controversial procedure, especially because the discussion that surrounds it has gone beyond the field of scientific debate, being adopted as an indicator of the "humanization of childbirth". The scientific literature indicates that episiotomy should not be performed routinely, but selectively. Objectives To review the literature in order to assess whether the implementation of selective episiotomy protects against severe perineal lacerations, the indications for the procedure, and the best technique to perform it. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed using the terms episiotomy or perineal lacerations, and the filter clinical trial. The articles concerning the risk of severe perineal lacerations with or without episiotomy, perineal protection, or episiotomy techniques were selected. Results A total of 141 articles were identified, and 24 of them were included in the review. Out of the 13 studies that evaluated the risk of severe lacerations with and without episiotomy, 5 demonstrated a protective role of selective episiotomy, and 4 showed no significant differences between the groups. Three small studies confirmed the finding that episiotomy should be performed selectively and not routinely, and one study showed that midline episiotomy increased the risk of severe lacerations. The most cited indications were primiparity, fetal weight greater than 4 kg, prolonged second stage, operative delivery, and shoulder dystocia. As for the surgical technique, episiotomies performed with wider angles (> 40°) and earlier in the second stage (before "crowning ") appeared to be more protective. Conclusions Selective episiotomy decreases the risk of severe lacerations when compared with the non-performance or the performance of routine episiotomy. The use of a proper surgical technique is fundamental to obtain better results, especially in relation to the angle of incision, the distance from the vaginal introitus, and the correct timing for performing the procedure. Not performing the episiotomy when indicated or not applying the correct technique may increase the risk of severe perineal lacerations.

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The data shown below were compiled from readership statistics for 37 Mendeley readers of this research output. Click here to see the associated Mendeley record.

Geographical breakdown

Country Count As %
Unknown 37 100%

Demographic breakdown

Readers by professional status Count As %
Student > Postgraduate 4 11%
Student > Bachelor 3 8%
Student > Master 3 8%
Student > Doctoral Student 2 5%
Student > Ph. D. Student 2 5%
Other 4 11%
Unknown 19 51%
Readers by discipline Count As %
Nursing and Health Professions 8 22%
Medicine and Dentistry 7 19%
Agricultural and Biological Sciences 1 3%
Unspecified 1 3%
Unknown 20 54%