Interpretation
It is a controversial debate to
perform the routine lateral episiotomy on low-risk pregnant women. Some
believe that routine lateral episiotomy not only prevents the anal
sphincter [23] but also defend against the defects
of central support from the anterior vaginal wall[24]. In contrast, others believe that routine
lateral episiotomy increases the incidence of infection and pain at
perineal incision, postpartum hemorrhage, and urinary tract disorders[25]. A systematic review[26] showed
that lateral episiotomy is not beneficial for the prevention of urinary
and fecal incontinence and pelvic floor tissue relaxation, and
ironically it increases the incidence of dyspareunia. Our study, there
was no statistical difference in sEMG examination among the episiotomy
group, the vaginal delivery with hard-protected perineal integrity
group, and the 1st- and 2nd-degree
perineal laceration groups. Our
study revealed episiotomy had no protection on the function of the
pelvic floor muscles, compared with the perineal integrity group and
1st- and 2nd-degree perineal
laceration group. Hence episiotomy should be performed under carefully
evaluation and the restriction of episiotomy is suggested.