Objectives: Attempt to define the most appropriate care after an episiotomy, the best-suited treatments of the pain of episiotomy, and examine the course of repair stitches.
Material and methods: A survey of the literature found on Medline and on the Cochrane Library between 1990 and 2005, and dealing with these questions was carried out.
Results: As regards local care, the best possible personal hygiene is a key to healing, but no specific treatment has been accepted. The treatment of pain by non-medical means as well as topically is not very efficient. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were the most studied among medical treatments and have shown an effect on pain (whether per os or by rectal route), some of them can be used during maternal breastfeeding. Acetaminophen has not been sufficiently studied to assess its effectiveness.
Conclusion: The medical staff must emphasize the importance of self care and personal hygiene. The pain of episiotomy is a crucial element to treat, and it is most effectively done medically. The treatment must be adapted to each patient depending on her tolerance and whether she is breastfeeding or not.