The Cochrane library first published a meta-analysis in 2000 on the role of the episiotomy in modern clinical practice, which concluded that only a policy of selective episiotomy is acceptable with evidence-based improvement in maternal health compared with routine episiotomy. Many years later, however, the new version of the Cochrane meta-analysis changed the previous recommendations in that the selective use of episiotomy could not be considered beneficial in all cases. A selective policy is associated with a statistically significant reduction in severe perineal and/or vaginal trauma, whereas routine episiotomy seems to protect against these complications only after instrumental deliveries. Both in the short and the long term, selective medio-lateral episiotomy has no additional beneficial effects without clear evidence of causing harm to the mother or baby.

The Cochrane library first published a meta-analysis in 2000 on the role of the episiotomy in modern clinical practice, which concluded that only a policy of selective episiotomy is acceptable with evidence-based improvement in maternal health compared with routine episiotomy. Many years later, however, the new version of the Cochrane meta-analysis changed the previous recommendations in that the selective use of episiotomy could not be considered beneficial in all cases. A selective policy is associated with a statistically significant reduction in severe perineal and/or vaginal trauma, whereas routine episiotomy seems to protect against these complications only after instrumental deliveries. Both in the short and the long term, selective medio-lateral episiotomy has no additional beneficial effects without clear evidence of causing harm to the mother or baby.

Episiotomy in modern clinical practice: friend or foe?

Maurizio Serati
Primo
;
Stefano Salvatore;
2019-01-01

Abstract

The Cochrane library first published a meta-analysis in 2000 on the role of the episiotomy in modern clinical practice, which concluded that only a policy of selective episiotomy is acceptable with evidence-based improvement in maternal health compared with routine episiotomy. Many years later, however, the new version of the Cochrane meta-analysis changed the previous recommendations in that the selective use of episiotomy could not be considered beneficial in all cases. A selective policy is associated with a statistically significant reduction in severe perineal and/or vaginal trauma, whereas routine episiotomy seems to protect against these complications only after instrumental deliveries. Both in the short and the long term, selective medio-lateral episiotomy has no additional beneficial effects without clear evidence of causing harm to the mother or baby.
2019
http://www.springer.com/medicine/gynecology/journal/192
Anal incontinence; Episiotomy; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Urinary incontinence; Vaginal delivery;
Serati, Maurizio; Salvatore, Stefano; Rizk, Diaa
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2083089
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