Risk and protective factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: A retrospective nationwide study.
Marie-Louise MarschalekChristof WordaLorenz KuesselHeinz KoelblWilli OberaignerHermann LeitnerJulian MarschalekHeinrich HussleinPublished in: Birth (Berkeley, Calif.) (2018)
Episiotomy may be a risk or protective factor depending on the type of episiotomy and the clinical setting in which it is used. Our study supports a restrictive use of mediolateral episiotomy in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. In vacuum deliveries mediolateral episiotomy may help prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries.