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.