In this study, use of median episiotomy was an exclusion, mostly likely because it is rarely performed in Europe.
WHAT THIS EVIDENCE MEANS FOR PRACTICE
While the battle over “to cut or not to cut” continues to rage, one fact is clear: median episiotomy should be abandoned. If you are going to perform episiotomy, make it mediolateral. According to this report, accoucheurs should consider cutting a mediolateral episiotomy for perineal protection each time they perform operative vaginal delivery.
ERROL R. NORWITZ, MD, PHD
TELL US …
After reading this article, and Dr. Barbieri’s April Editorial, we want to know if these articles have changed your practice. If you were faced with a difficult vaginal delivery, would you use a median or mediolateral episiotomy incision? Why?
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think.