Episiotomy in Modern Obstetrics – Necessity Versus

Episiotomy is now one of the most common procedures performed in obstetrics. At the beginning of its existence, it was performed very carefully and used in exceptional circumstances. In the second half of the twentieth century, its use became so widespread that it was almost regarded as a standard procedure in labor rooms. Authors intend to provide answers to the question as to whether it was an appropriate move in this discussion. Undoubtedly, there are reasons for which an incision is an appropriate decision, sometimes necessary, but in recent years its usefulness and relevance, in particular its routine, too widespread use are starting to be increasingly questioned and subjected to doubt, both by various women’s organizations, individuals interested in the issue, stakeholders, as well as professionals. Poland is still one of the few European countries where routine episiotomy is so far regarded as an important and recognized part of patient management during almost every childbirth taking place in a hospital setting. This topic currently causes broad discussion in the media, the press and among the public. Hence, the aim of this work is to discuss key issues on episiotomy, the arguments for and against episiotomy based on literature review and available studies and reports. It is also going to present the opinion of different authors and the existing differences in their views on the above issue (Adv Clin Exp Med 2012, 21, 4, 545–550).