Comparison of Perinatal Outcome in Deliveries with and without Episiotomy

Episiotomy is the "surgical procedure for enlarging the vaginal orifice by an incision on perineum, at the time of crowning, last part of 2nd stage of labor". It in itself is an iatrogenic second degree perineal tear with an association with extension to complete perineal tear. Episiotomy does not significantly affect or improve neonatal outcome or provide protection to the pelvis. Episiotomy shortens second stage of labor is a wrong belief as it affects second stage by just few seconds which does not hold any significance. Now a days, episiotomy should be avoided as far as possible. At most places, restrictive episiotomy is in trend.