This is the procedure of widening the introitus in order to avoid damage to the perineal body and the pelvic floor at birth. It is also used to facilitate quick delivery and also to reduce the length of the second stage of labour.

Technique

The site of the episiotomy is selected and infiltrated with 1% lignocaine about 20 ml. This also will do for the repair. The incision is made at the crowning of the head and at the height of the contraction.

The following structures are incised in episiotomy

• Vaginal mucosa
• Bulbospongiosus
• Superficial and deep perineal muscles
• External anal sphincter

Types