The use of episiotomy during childbirth has declined in Canada, although its benefit in births assisted by forceps or vacuum merits reconsideration of this practice, according to a large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). Episiotomy is a surgical cut to the perineum intended to aid childbirth and minimize severe tears, which could include obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). Severe tears can lead to short- and long-term pain, infection, sexual problems and incontinence.
In Canada and other industrialized countries, the rate of OASI has increased by up to 15%, possibly owing to improved detection and reporting of obstetric injuries, as well as older maternal age at first birth. The risk of OASI is highest among forceps- and vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries; about 18% of women in Canada were diagnosed with OASI after delivery with forceps or vacuum in…
