Etymed
episiotomy
Definition
surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman in active labor presents with a large fetal head and signs of prolonged second stage of labor. The obstetrician performs a mediolateral episiotomy to prevent spontaneous perineal tearing and facilitate delivery. Postpartum examination reveals a clean surgical incision with appropriate healing.
Mnemonic
EPISIOTOMY: E = episiotomy, P = perineum, I = incision, S = surgical, I = in, O = opening, T = to, O = enlarge, M = maternal, Y = with assistance