Frequently Asked Questions

What is Episiotomy?

An Episiotomy is an incision done in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to extend the vaginal opening during normal delivery to facilitate the passage of the baby.

What are the advantages of Episiotomy?

Few of the advantages of Episiotomy are:

1. Decreases complications during normal delivery
2. Reduced stress during labor
3. Safe delivery of the baby in a breech position, etc

What are the indications of Episiotomy?

Few indications where an individual would require Episiotomy are:

1. Stressful labor during normal vaginal delivery
2. Improper positioning of the baby (fetal breech- frank breech or non-frank breech)
3. The vaginal opening has not widened enough for the baby to pass-through
4. During delivery, requiring the use of instruments like forceps/ vacuum to get the baby out

What are the steps involved in Episiotomy?

Episiotomy involves the following steps:

1. An episiotomy is performed in the middle of a normal delivery when the dilated cervix is not sufficient for the baby to come out.
2. The surgeon/midwife will make an incision at the perineum (the area between the anus and vaginal opening) with the help of a sharp surgical instrument to accommodate the baby.
3. The incision will be done in a way to prevent any injury to the baby as the baby comes out.
4. As the baby's head comes out, the pain and pressure will be reduced.
5. The doctor may ask the patient not to push till the baby's mouth and nose are suctioned to clear out the baby from the amniotic fluid and mucus.
6. The head of the baby is rotated to a quarter of a turn to be in alignment with the baby's body and delivered.
7. As the baby is delivered, the placenta will be removed and the incision will be closed and dressed with sterile bandages.

What is the postsurgery care/recovery care for Episiotomy?

1. After the completion of the surgery, the patient may require to stay at the hospital for at least 2-4 days
2. The patient is recommended to avoid activities like bending over or lifting heavy weights for at least one month after the surgery
3. The patient must consult the doctor immediately if cramps, bleeding or leakage of fluid from the site of incision is seen
4. Treatment will be given if the patient feels dizzy, nauseated or light-headed after delivery
5. Necessary prescriptions for pain and infections should be used by the patient as directed by the doctor
6. Report to the doctor immediately if the patient develops a fever or chills or severe abdominal cramps or excessive vaginal discharge

Who can perform Episiotomy [Right specialist type for Episiotomy]?

Episiotomy can be performed by an Obstetric surgeon or a Gynecologist who is well experienced in performing Episiotomy during normal delivery.

What is the cost of Episiotomy?

Cost of Episiotomy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. The medical condition of the patient
5. Post-surgical complications that are involved
6. Type of hospital
7. The admission room that you opted for
8. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Minimum cost for Episiotomy in Delhi starts from Rs.15,750

Average expenses for Episiotomy in Delhi is approximately Rs.23,100

Maximum amount to be paid for Episiotomy in Delhi can be up to Rs.27,300

Is Episiotomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

An Episiotomy is considered a minor surgery that includes the use of a local anesthetic to numb the pain and small straight or a lateral cut near the vaginal opening during normal delivery.

What is the eligibility criteria for Episiotomy?

Few factors play a role in the need for Episiotomy during normal delivery:

1. Inadequate vaginal opening
2. Fetal breech position
3. Stressful labor or decreased time for labor

What is the ineligibility criteria for Episiotomy?

An Episiotomy is often not recommended to individuals upon the absence of conditions which may complicate the normal delivery.

What are the risks and complications associated with Episiotomy?

Risks and complications associated with Episiotomy are:

1. Pain during sexual intercourse due to episiotomy
2. Excessive bleeding and infection of the incision sites
3. Tearing of the incision and damage the rectum and muscles surrounding it

How long does it take to complete Episiotomy?

An Episiotomy is performed during normal delivery and the incision may take up to 5-10 minutes, and an overall time of 2-3 hours following the normal delivery.

What is the success rate of Episiotomy?

An Episiotomy has an overall success rate of 85-90%

Is Episiotomy painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process as the patient will be given a numbing agent to prevent the pain.

Is Episiotomy permanent?

An Episiotomy is a temporary surgical incision; the extended vaginal opening will be closed to restore the vagina to the normal condition.

Can Episiotomy be detected in future?

Episiotomy can be detected in the future with a physical examination as surgical scars can be seen at the incision site.