Symphysiotomy is the medical procedure of cutting the pubic symphysis or the joint at the front of the pelvis. It is typically performed during childbirth to create more room for the baby to pass through the birth canal. But there are other terms synonymous to the word symphysiotomy such as pubiotomy, pelvic osteotomy, or pubic diastasis. Oftentimes, symphysiotomy is confused with episiotomy, which is another obstetric procedure performed to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth. However, they are different procedures as symphysiotomy refers to the cutting of the pelvic bones while episiotomy refers to the cutting of the perineum, the area between the anus and the vagina.