An Episiotomy Set is a sterile, pre-arranged collection of surgical instruments used primarily during childbirth to perform an episiotomy — a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. This procedure facilitates easier delivery and helps prevent severe perineal tears.

•  Sterility: EO (Ethylene Oxide) or Autoclaved

•  Packaging: Individually packed, sealed sterile packs

•  Reusability: Available in both disposable and reusable options

•  Compliance: CE Marked, ISO 13485 Certified

•  Use Case: Single-use (for disposables) / Multiple-use (for stainless steel sets)

The instruments vary in size depending on the manufacturer and intended application. Common sizes include:

•  Scissors (Episiotomy/Metzenbaum): 14 cm – 18 cm

•  Needle Holder: 14 cm

•  Tissue Forceps: 14 cm

•  Artery Forceps: 14 cm – 16 cm

•  Scissors: Straight or Curved blades

•  Forceps: Serrated or non-serrated jaws

•  Needle Holder: Cross-serrated jaws for firm grip

•  Standard Episiotomy Set

•  Deluxe Episiotomy Set (with additional components)

•  Disposable Episiotomy Kit

•  Customized Kits (as per hospital requirement)

•  Stainless Steel (Grade 304/316) – corrosion-resistant, surgical grade

•  Polypropylene / Medical-grade plastic – in disposable kits

•  Latex-free materials – for allergy-safe use

•  Surgical Instruments

•  Obstetrics and Gynaecology Instruments

•  Minor Surgical Procedure Sets

•  Sterile Packaged Kit (pre-arranged)

•  Individual Instruments (for custom setups)

•  Disposable Pouches / Reusable Cases

Used in labor wards and delivery rooms for:

•  Performing episiotomy incisions

•  Suturing post-delivery perineal tears

•  Minor obstetric procedures

•  Teaching and demonstration purposes in medical education

•  Reduces risk of uncontrolled perineal tears

•  Facilitates smoother and quicker delivery

•  Standardized sterile setup saves time in emergencies

•  Ensures availability of all required tools in one place

•  Can be pre-sterilized for quick usage

•  Invasive surgical procedure; may lead to complications if not done properly

•  Risk of infection if sterility is compromised

•  Requires skilled personnel to use correctly

•  Can cause pain, scarring, or prolonged healing

•  Must be used by trained professionals only

•  Maintain complete sterility before, during, and after procedure

•  Proper disposal protocols for disposable kits

•  Ensure patient consent and proper counselling

•  Avoid overuse or unnecessary episiotomies

•  HS Code: 9018.90

•  HSN Code: 90189090 (Covers medical, surgical, and veterinary instruments and appliances)

•  Handle instruments with clean, gloved hands

•  Inspect instruments for damage before use

•  Ensure secure locking of clamps and holders

•  Avoid contact with non-sterile surfaces

•  Reusable Sets:

     o  Autoclave at 121°C for 15–20 minutes

     o  Ultrasonic cleaning prior to sterilization

•  Disposable Sets:

     o  Pre-sterilized using Ethylene Oxide (EO)

     o  Do not reuse/ Discard as per biomedical waste protocol

•  Performed during vaginal delivery to ease childbirth

•  Helps in reducing trauma to the fetal head

•  Essential in certain obstetric conditions (e.g., rigid perineum, fetal distress)

•  Commonly used in hospital labour wards and maternity clinics

•  Used in large animal obstetrics, especially in complicated calvings or parturitions

•  Helps minimize birth trauma in animals (e.g., cows, mares)

•  Requires trained veterinary obstetricians

•  Ensures humane and hygienic birthing practices in veterinary clinics or farms

Q1. What is the full form of an Episiotomy Set?

Answer: It is a set of instruments used to perform an episiotomy during childbirth.

Q2. Is the episiotomy set reusable?

Answer: Both reusable (stainless steel) and disposable sets are available.

Q3. How is the set sterilized?

Answer:

•  Reusable sets: Autoclaving or chemical sterilization

•  Disposable sets: Pre-sterilized with EO gas

Q4. What instruments are usually included?

Answer:

•  Episiotomy scissors

•  Tissue forceps

•  Artery forceps

•  Needle holder

•  Sterile drapes/swabs (optional in deluxe kits)

Q5. Can it be used in veterinary practice?

Answer: Yes, specific veterinary versions are used for animal births, especially in larger animals.