Episiotomy: techniques and indications.

In current obstetric practice episiotomy is generally taken to refer to an incision of the perineum and vagina to facilitate vaginal delivery. While the most precise definition of this incision is perineotomy, episiotomy is the generally employed terminology and thus is used in this article. The evolutionary background and historical perspective of this procedure have been reviewed extensively by Thacker and Banta and are not reviewed here. This article reviews the techniques of the various types of episiotomies as well as their indications and contraindications. It also addresses the relative risks and benefits of episiotomy.