Episiotomy is a surgical procedure conducted by obstetricians and obstetrical nurses on the female perineum at the time of delivery. This procedure is adopted as routine in obstetrics, and its practice is currently being questioned. The present study was conducted beginning with bibliographical research of the scientific production regarding episiotomy. The bibliographical research for the present study was done with the help of search tools at the LILACS database. 60 studies were found, of which 22 specific papers on episiotomy, referring to the 1980s, 1990s and the period from 2000 to 2005, were analyzed. Discussions on the subject matter dealt with the study characteristics, the professional conducting the procedure and the manner of study of this procedure. Research indicates the majority of studies on episiotomy were done by doctors, whose main concern appears to be the technical and scientific aspects of the subject matter. This reflects a Cartesian background with a biological focus, as well as a political vision of feminine health, as a rule considering women reproductive beings whose most relevant roles are those connected to domestic, child-rearing activities, all in.
Woman's Health; Nursing; Episiotomy