Episiotomy

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (11 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

6 Oct 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


Unlimited Nurse CE

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Activity Description

An episiotomy is a surgical procedure performed during childbirth where an incision is made to widen the vaginal opening. There are two main types of episotomy: a midline (or median) episiotomy, which starts close to the midline of the perineum and extends downward in a straight line, and a mediolateral episiotomy, which begins similarly but extends laterally at a 60-degree angle. Episiotomy repairs are dictated by the severity of the perineal laceration following the infant's delivery; this procedure is generally treated like second-degree tears, with layered closure of the vaginal, muscular, and skin tissues. Continuous, non-locking sutures are often used to minimize pain and promote better healing.

Despite its benefits in some cases, the routine use of episiotomy has been debated. Research shows that it may not reduce the severity of postpartum pelvic floor issues or improve long-term outcomes. Instead, episiotomy can increase the risk of anal incontinence and other complications, particularly if the incision extends into an obstetric anal sphincter injury. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner's competence in performing an episiotomy procedure, evaluating the degree of perineal lacerations, and implementing an appropriate repair and interprofessional management approach to improve patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the indications for an episiotomy.

  • Select the proper technique for an episiotomy.

  • Implement appropriate postoperative care for a patient undergoing an episiotomy.

  • Collaborate with an interprofessional team to provide care for patients who undergo an episiotomy.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Jean C. on 9/6/2021

Jay G. on 9/21/2021

Merry B. on 11/28/2021

Laura B. on 4/5/2022

James w. on 12/8/2022

Ronald L. on 2/14/2023

Thank you for providing concise easy to complete learning activity.

Rachel K. on 10/31/2023

Laura G. on 12/13/2023

Peter c. on 5/3/2024

Sarah R. on 10/29/2024

Lisa R. on 11/1/2024

Unlimited Nurse CE

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6635 CE activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 7880.5 hours of CE.

Single Activity

Take this single activity

$37.50 1 activity

6 Month Unlimited Nurse CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse CE activities in all specialties.

$89 per half year per user

1 Year Unlimited Nurse CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse CE activities in all specialties.

$139 per 1 year per user