Episiotomy: Risks of dehiscence and rectovaginal fistula

Riad Homsi, Norman H. Daikoku, John Littlejohn, Clifford R. Wheeless

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

The obstetric literature was reviewed to assess the risk of episiotomy dehiscence and rectovaginal fistula formation from routine episiotomy, with and without third-and fourth-degree laceration into the rectal sphincter or rectal mucosa, respectively. Strong evidence suggests that elective episiotomy predisposes to severe 3rd and 4th degree perineal lacerations and that episiotomy dehiscence with rectovaginal fistula formation is strongly related to 3rd and 4th degree perineal lacerations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)803-808
Number of pages6
JournalObstetrical and Gynecological Survey
Volume49
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1994
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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