[Mediolateral versus median episiotomy (author's transl)].

From 1969 to 1976, 15,715 episiotomies were done in 24,598 deliveries. The median episiotomy was progressively preferred and the technique of suture improved. The incidence of secondary sutures for dehiscence was reduced from 74 (3.4%) in 1971 to 6 (0.3%) in 1976. Extension into the rectum expectedly rose in incidence. The figures presented, show that the complication rate following mediolateral episiotomy is higher than following median episiotomy including the complication rate with extensions into the rectum.