EPISIOTOMY- an incision of the perineum during delivery
- to spare the infant's head to pass out preventing prolonged pressure and pushing against the narrow perineum that may cause brain damage.
- to shorten the 2nd stage of labor
TYPES OF EPISIOTOMY:
- Median-incision is made in the middle of the perineum and directed toward the rectum, and easy to repair and more comfortable for the patient during the healing process
- Mediolateral (midline)- incision laterally in the perineum and distant from anal that could be enlarge if needed. mother feels uncomfortable during the healing process.
NURSING CARES:
- instruct the woman to cleanse from the front to the back every after voiding and defication
- infra red light focused to the perineum for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times at first 24 hours of delivery to promote fast healing
- explain proper handwashing after perineal care
- encourage to increase fruit juices that are rich in vitamin C to increase resistant against infection
- external antiseptic applied to the episiotomy wound every after perineal care or 2 times a day
reference: maternity book and my nursing notes
