Episiotomy and Epistorrhaphy

02/01/2010
Episiotomy:

surgical incision of the perineum, between the area between the vagina and the rectum, that to widen the vaginal opening during
childbirth.

Episiorrhaphy:

suture of the perineum following an episiotomy.

This surgical repair pioneered by Fielding Ould around 1742.

Continuous and interrupted absorbable sutures have been used for repair of episiotomy and second degree perineal tears following
childbirth. However, continuous non-locking suture techniques for repair of the vagina, perineal muscles and skin are associated
with less perineal pain than traditional interrupted methods.

Moreover, the continuous technique can be used for all layers (vagina, perineal muscles and skin) where as the interrupted sutures
can be used for perineal skin only.
Continuous Lock Sutures

• A continuous lock pattern, also called a “blanket stitch” or Ford interlocking suture.

• A progressive series of sutures inserted uninterruptedly in the skin like a simple continuous suture, partially locking each passage through the
tissue.

• This type of suture is indicated when speed as well as some suture security are needed for closure.

• Following the placement of each suture, the needle passes above the unused suture material to lock the suture in place as it is tightened.

• Sutures should be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.

• Suture placement is more rapid than for interrupted suture pattern and pattern has greater stability than other continuous patterns in the event of a
partial break along the suture line.

• The pattern requires an increased amount of suture material and does not readily allow tension adjustment after placement.

• It is more difficult to remove than a simple continuous suture.

Interrupted Sutures:
• The most commonly used and versatile suture in cutaneous surgery is the simple interrupted suture.

• This suture is placed by inserting the needle perpendicular to the epidermis, traversing the epidermis and the full thickness of
the dermis, and exiting perpendicular to the epidermis on the opposite side of the wound.

• The 2 sides of the stitch should be symmetrically placed in terms of depth and width.

• In general, the suture should have a flask-shaped configuration, that is, the stitch should be wider at its base (dermal side) than
at its superficial portion (epidermal side).

• If the stitch encompasses a greater volume of tissue at the base than at its apex, the resulting compression at the base forces
the tissue upward and promotes eversion of the wound edges. This maneuver decreases the likelihood of creating a depressed
scar as the wound retracts during healing.