Understanding the Episiotomy Kit: Tools for Safe Childbirth

 


Introduction:


Childbirth is a process of change, and medical doctors have various tools for ensuring safety and well-being of both mother and child. One such tool is the episiotomy kit, which is used in some situations to facilitate the process of childbirth. This article is intended to explain in detail the episiotomy kit, its parts, and use in childbirth.


Body:


What is an Episiotomy?

Episiotomy refers to a cut surgically cut through the perineum, tissue between anal and vaginal opening.

In the past, it was a matter of routine while delivering a child, but according to the modern practice, nowadays it is being done only when medically necessary.

Episiotomies today are being conducted in the majority of cases only where medically indicated, i.e., for fetal distress, abnormal delivery, or forceps/vacuum delivery.

Anatomy of an Episiotomy Kit:

Average episiotomy kit contains:

Scalpel or Scissors: Sterile scalpel or surgery scissors to make the incision. Single-use is preferable.

Forceps or Tissue Forceps: To pick up and relocate tissue during the procedure.

Needle Holder: To pick up and relocate suture needles.

Suture Material: Sterile suture to close the incision after delivery.

Gauze Pads: To wipe and absorb blood.

Local Anesthetic: To numb the perineum prior to making the incision.

Antiseptic Solution: To clean and disinfect the area.

Sterile Drape: To provide a sterile field.

When is an Episiotomy Indicated?

Fetal distress: When the baby is distressed and has to be delivered urgently.

Difficult delivery: When the head of the baby is too large or in an abnormal position.

Instrumental delivery: When forceps or vacuum is needed.

Preventing bad tears: In some cases, a controlled episiotomy is preferable to a bad, uncontrolled tear.

The Process: Sterile Drape: For the development of a sterile field.

Local anesthetic will be applied by the medical specialist to numb the perineal area.

Because the area is numb, the specialist will make a controlled incision.

Following the delivery of the baby, the specialist will close the incision carefully by stitching.

Care After Episiotomy:

Pain and discomfort are felt after an episiotomy.

Medical specialists will recommend pain reducing measures such as ice packs, sitz baths, and analgesics.

Hygiene has to be strictly kept to prevent infection.

Follow-up after checkup is necessary to check for healing.

Newest Practice:

There is a practice of the minimal use of episiotomies in current obstetric practice.

Pre-delivery perineal massage and maximum practice in labor pushing can reduce the risk of tears.

Everything possible is being done by the practitioners to keep the natural perineal integrity intact as much as possible.

Conclusion


The episiotomy kit is a valuable surgical instrument in obstetrics to facilitate safe delivery in specific cases. Though episiotomies are not routine procedures anymore, they are still a very necessary intervention when medically indicated. Being aware of what is contained in the kit and how it is used during delivery can help women feel more empowered and knowledgeable during their delivery experience.

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