Medical prevention of lacerations to the vagina and perineum

摘要

A common complication of vaginal delivery is the tearing of the muscles of the vagina and perineum. This tearing results in an irregular laceration which the surgeon must then repair. Current obstetrical practice is to prevent this irregular laceration by performing an episiotomy to create a regular laceration which is later sutured. However, both natural tearing of the vaginal and perineal muscles during delivery and surgical episiotomies are subject to further, more grave, complications. The use of medical therapy instead of surgical therapy will reduce the incidence of lacerations of the muscles of the vagina and perineum. The use of medical therapy for the relaxation of the muscles of the vagina and perineum is described.