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External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
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Labor induction just after external cephalic version with epidural analgesia at term
Marcos J Cuerva1, Carlos S Piñel1, Javier Caceres2
1Obstetrics Department, Quiron San José Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
|June 11, 2017
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) with epidural analgesia can increase vaginal births for term breech presentations. This procedure, followed by labor induction, may help avoid cesarean deliveries in selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Breech presentation at term is a common indication for cesarean delivery.
- External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to turn the fetus from breech to cephalic presentation.
- Epidural analgesia may facilitate ECV and subsequent labor management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the benefits of external cephalic version (ECV) with epidural analgesia at term.
- To evaluate the outcomes of labor induction immediately following ECV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 40 patients undergoing ECV with epidural analgesia at term.
- Patients opted against breech vaginal delivery and desired labor induction or cesarean section post-ECV.
Main Results:
- ECV was successful in 26 out of 40 (65%) patients.
- Among successful ECVs, 20 patients (76.9%) delivered vaginally.
- Cesarean delivery occurred in 6 patients (23.1%) after successful ECV.
Conclusions:
- ECV with epidural analgesia followed by labor induction can be a viable option for term breech presentations.
- This approach may significantly reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries.
- Careful patient selection and discussion are recommended for this management strategy.
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