title: [Episiotomy and its complications].
abstract: 1. Many benefits claimed for episiotomy are not sufficiently proven. In recent literature, some of them are questioned and some have been disproven. 2. Episiotomy, especially median episiotomy, has a higher risk of third-degree lacerations. Mediolateral episiotomy is more often followed by postpartum pain and impaired wound-healing. 3. Typical, albeit rare complications of episiotomy and third-degree lacerations are incontinence for stool and flatus, and-very seldom-fistula formation. 4. Complications of episiotomy as well as the failure to perform an episiotomy have had forensic consequences. 5. For good healing of an episiotomy or a perineal laceration suturing with an adequate technique and the use of non-reactive suture material is mandatory.
authors.affiliation: Univ.-Frauenklinik Tübingen.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Hirsch
mesh_terms: D004841:Episiotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology