EPISIOTOMY : A CHALLENGING OBSTETRIC INTERVENTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The professional literatures on the development of widely practiced procedure, episiotomy through the years from the first publication in 1742 are reviewed. It reveals the change in number of publication as well as the contributors to the development of perception about episiotomy. So it consisted expression of opinion of doctors initially then the co-workers like nurses and researchers and clients or consumers themselves too. It concludes that episiotomies prevent anterior perineal tear but fails to accomplish other benefits traditionally ascribed to pelvic floor damage and relaxation including its sequel and also protection of newboin from intracranial haemorrhage and intrapartum asphyxia. Episiotomy substantially increase maternal blood loss during delivery and risk of anal sphincter damage with their long term morbidity. There is an urgent need to restrict the use of episiotomy in vaginal delivery. Key Words: Episiotomy, Perineal tear, anal sphincter damage.