episiotomy
Pronunciation: eh-piz-ee-OT-oh-mee
A surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening.
Full Definition
An episiotomy is a deliberate cut made between the vagina and anus during delivery to prevent extensive tearing and facilitate birth. While once routine, current evidence-based practice reserves episiotomies for specific medical indications such as fetal distress or assisted delivery with forceps or vacuum. The procedure can be median (straight down) or mediolateral (angled). Post-procedure care and healing are important considerations in postpartum documentation. Medical editors frequently encounter this term in birth plans, delivery reports, and postpartum care instructions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from naturally occurring perineal tears, which are classified by degree (first through fourth degree).
In Context
- "A mediolateral episiotomy was performed to prevent extensive perineal tearing during vacuum-assisted delivery." — Operative delivery report
- "The patient's episiotomy healing was assessed as satisfactory at the two-week postpartum visit." — Follow-up examination note