Episiorrhaphy

/ɛpɪsiːˈɒrəfi/ noun

Definition

Surgical stitching or suturing of the perineum to repair tears or wounds, commonly performed after childbirth or traumatic injury to the region.

Etymology

From Greek 'episio-' (perineum) plus '-rrhphy' (from 'rhaphe,' seam or suture). The '-rrhphy' suffix specifically indicates surgical stitching, as in 'gastrorraphy' (stomach stitching).

Kelly Says

Midwives and surgeons have been doing episiorrhaphy for centuries—the Greek term just gave their ancient craft a medical name, showing how modern medicine uses old language for timeless procedures.

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