Authors

Ana María Domínguez Rojas

Position

Matrona. Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario "Virgen de las Nieves", Granada.

Contact address

C/ Pintor López Mezquita, 2, 2º C. 18002 Granada.

Abstract

Episiotomy is the most widely performed surgical procedure in the majority of hospitals. Its use has become routine practice in most hospitals, but without strong scientific grounds. This study presents a review of the literature with regard to the practice of episiotomies that can be lateral, medial or mediolateral. The retrieved data show no differences supporting that one type of incision is better than the other. On the other hand, the restrictive use of episiotomy has shown a lower incidence of posterior perineal tears and fewer local complications, but a higher incidence of anterior tears, as compared to its routine practice. Midwives are the professional group who perform episiotomies more often on a restrictive basis.

Keywords:

episiotomy; perineal tears; deliverymidwife

Versión en Español

Título:

Episiotomía: ¿cirugía de uso rutinario o restrictivo?