Caesarean section for the second twin after vaginal delivery of first

Although caesarean section of a second twin after vaginal birth of the first twin is rare, it nevertheless has clinical importance as an acute emergency situation with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. We therefore found it appropriate to describe the obstetric management of such cases, including an overview of the literature and our own data. According to reports in the literature, 113 deliveries of second twins (3.4%) were carried out by section in 3342 twin births. At our department in Tubingen there were 497 twin births (1.9%) in 26 095 births. Of these the second twin was delivered by section in 11 cases (2.2%). This represents a statistical frequency of 0.04% of all births. As shown by case histories and our own study, the indications for abdominal delivery of the second twin were predominantly the prolapse of the umbilical cord or of small parts due to transverse or breech presentation, with simultaneous retraction of the cervix. Of our 11 births with emergency section, one child died postpartum. Because of above-mentioned risks the twin delivery must always be performed in a fully equipped facility, including facilities for intensive neonatal care.