Classification of episiotomy: towards a standardisation of terminology
Language English Country Great Britain, England Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article, Review
- MeSH
- Anal Canal injuries MeSH
- Episiotomy classification methods standards MeSH
- Obstetric Labor Complications surgery MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Evidence-Based Medicine MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Terminology as Topic * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Seven episiotomy incisions are described in the literature, although only midline, mediolateral or lateral episiotomies are commonly used. Recent research has demonstrated variations in both site and direction of the incision, and differences between the angle of incision at the time of crowning of the fetal head and the angle of the scar once the wound has been repaired. We review this evidence and suggest that this variation may undermine the reliability of much published work. We suggest a standardised definition of each type of episiotomy to establish uniformity going forward, so that future studies are amenable to comparison and meta-analysis.
References provided by Crossref.org
Commentary on "Behavior of perineum during delivery before fetal head expulsion"
