Experience with selective external cephalic version at term in Saudi Arabia: a three year review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Fetal Surgery

Background:

• Breech presentation at term is a common indication for cesarean section.
• External cephalic version (ECV) aims to convert breech presentation to cephalic.
• Cesarean delivery carries risks for both mother and neonate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of external cephalic version in reducing cesarean sections for term breech presentation.
• To assess the rate of vaginal delivery following successful ECV.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 36 patients at term with breech presentation were selected for ECV.
• Patients had the option of elective cesarean section due to large fetus or small maternal pelvis.
• External cephalic version was performed to attempt fetal cephalic rotation.

Main Results:

• External cephalic version was successful in 24 out of 36 patients.
• Of the 24 patients with successful ECV, 20 (83.3%) achieved vaginal delivery.
• Successful ECV significantly increased the likelihood of vaginal birth.

Conclusions:

• External cephalic version is an effective procedure for converting term breech presentations to cephalic.
• Successful ECV can substantially reduce the rate of cesarean sections for breech presentation.
• Vaginal delivery is achievable in a high percentage of cases following successful ECV.