Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
This article presents an integrative review of the indications, contraindications, and clinical outcomes of episiotomy use, aiming to consolidate current knowledge about this practice. Episiotomy, an obstetric intervention performed to facilitate vaginal delivery, was once routinely applied but has recently been scrutinized for its efficacy and safety, especially when performed without specific indications. The review analyzes common indications such as dystocia and fetal distress, and contraindications, emphasizing the importance of informed consent. Routine episiotomy has been linked to significant complications, including persistent perineal pain, infections, and psychological trauma, negatively impacting women’s quality of life. Additionally, episiotomy can constitute obstetric violence when performed unnecessarily or without proper communication with the patient. This study underscores the need for a cautious approach aligned with WHO recommendations to reduce unnecessary episiotomies and promote safer, more respectful childbirth practices.
References
DE FREITAS, Marcela Távora et al. Os limites entre a episiotomia de rotina e a violência obstétrica. Revista Eletrônica Acervo Científico, v. 13, p. e4696-e4696, 2020.
DE OLIVEIRA MURENA, Agatha et al. A prática da episiotomia no Brasil. Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR, v. 27, n. 9, p. 4865-4892, 2023.
GEMMA, Marina. Fatores associados à integridade perineal e à episiotomia no parto normal: estudo transversal. 2016. Tese de Doutorado. Universidade de São Paulo.
MACIEL, Caroline Teixeira et al. Intervenções obstétricas realizadas no período expulsivo: um destaque para episiotomia. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, v. 3, n. 4, p. 10583-10599, 2020.
MAIA, Amanda Rodrigues et al. Episiotomia e Suas Controvérsias no Ambiente Médico. Revista Saúde Multidisciplinar, v. 12, n. 2, 2022.
NASCIMENTO, ANDRESSA MORAES. A EFICÁCIA DO BALÃO INFLÁVEL NA REDUÇÃO DE INCIDÊNCIA DA EPISIOTOMIA NAS MULHERES PRIMÍPARAS. Disponível em: < https://repositorio.pgsscogna.com.br/handle/123456789/44282>
NUNES, Rodrigo Dias et al. Avaliação dos fatores determinantes à realização da episiotomia no parto vaginal. Enferm Foco, v. 10, n. 1, p. 71-75, 2019.
OLIVEIRA, Sara Filipa Martinho de. Períneo obstétrico: proteger e prevenir o trauma. 2024. Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade de Évora.
PELISSARI, Luana Carolina Back et al. Prática da episiotomia: fatores maternos e neonatais relacionados. Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem, v. 24, p. 66517-66517, 2022.
SALES, Jandir Saraiva et al. CHALLENGES AND CONTROVERSIES IN OBSTETRICS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE ON OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS AND THE USE OF OCYTOCIN IN LABOR AND DELIVERY. Health and Society, v. 3, n. 04, p. 01-15, 2023.