Emergency symphysiotomy for the trapped head in breech delivery: indications, limitations and method
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R E Pust1, R A Hirschler, C E Lennox
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson 85724.
Careful case selection can avoid most obstetrical emergencies. However, even with optimum management of breech labour, the fetal head may become trapped. Since doctors in developing nations must be prepared for this dire situation, this article reviews breech case selection and outlines the steps in breech delivery, illustrating symphysiotomy for the entrapped head. The limitations and precautions associated with symphysiotomy are stressed.
Careful case selection can avoid most obstetrical emergencies. However, even with optimum management of breech labour, the fetal head may become trapped. Since doctors in developing nations must be prepared for this dire situation, this article reviews breech case selection and outlines the steps in breech delivery, illustrating symphysiotomy for the entrapped head. The limitations and precautions associated with symphysiotomy are stressed.