[Decompensated mitral stenosis, slow labor caused by disproportion and symphysiotomy as a solution. A case history of symphysiotomy without comments].
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Cephalopelvic Disproportion↗
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Minimally invasive surgery for obstructed labour: a review of symphysiotomy during the twentieth century (including 5000 cases).
OBJECTIVE: To compile and make available essential data on symphysiotomy for evaluation in the struggle against maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity from obstructed labour, which causes the death of 50,000 women each year in low-resourced countries. DESIGN: Retrospective review of literature. SAMPLE: Five thousand symphysiotomies and 1200 caesarean sections from 28 countries on four continents. METHODS: The review is based on original papers published 1900 to 1999, stepwise traced through reference lists. Inclusion criteria were: firstly, that the cases reported be consecutive, secondly the presence of an acceptable description of methodology and thirdly, the study size was set at a minimum of 25 cases for analysis of maternal and fetal mortality. Papers comprising only five to 24 cases were included in other analyses. All studies were retrospective, except the follow up studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal and fetal mortality; causes of maternal death; fetal mortality in previous deliveries; mode of delivery in subsequent pregnancies; symphyseal width after symphysiotomy; immediate, short and long term complications; maternal and fetal mortality comparing symphysiotomy and caesarean section. RESULTS: Symphysiotomy has been extensively studied, modified and refined over the last century, and the scientific documentation is substantial. The results indicate that symphysiotomy is safe for the mother from a vital perspective, confers a permanent enlargement of the pelvis and facilitates vaginal delivery in future pregnancies, and is a life saving operation for the child. Severe complications are rare. Symphysiotomy compares favourably with caesarean section in terms of risk for the mother's life. CONCLUSION: If valid conclusions can be drawn from one hundred years of retrospective studies, there is considerable evidence to support a reinstatement of symphysiotomy in the obstetric arsenal, for the benefit of women in obstructed labour and their offspring.
Delivery, Obstetric↗
Symphysiotomy at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital Afikpo, Ebonyi State of Nigeria (1982-1999): a review of 1013 cases.
One thousand and thirteen (1013) symphysiotomies were performed and 27,477 deliveries were conducted during the period. The symphysiotomy rate in the study period was 3.7%. Fifty-six percent (56%) of the patients who had symphysiotomy were aged 39 years and below, and the mean age was 27.94 +/- 7.16 years. Mothers with maternal age greater than 40 years were at a higher risk for symphysiotomy. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of those who had symphysiotomy were nulliparae, 35% were multiparae, while grandmultiparae accounted for 27%. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the leading indication for symphysiotomy (88%), while arrest of the after-coming head of the breech and previous caesarean section with mild cephalopelvic disproportion were other indications for symphysiotomy. Transient post-operative pelvic and leg pain was the leading maternal complication in the study, while stress incontinence, para urethra/vagina lacerations and vesico-vagina fistula were the other complications highlighted. In the study, 69% of the symphysiotomies performed were for babies with birth weight between 3.0 and 3.9 kg. The record of one maternal death was available and was from massive pulmonary embolism on the third day postpartum. There were 104 perinatal deaths with a perinatal mortality rate of 108.7 per 1000 total births.
Adult↗
Symphysiotomy as an alternative to cesarean section.
The author compares the value of symphysiotomy to cesarean section in the management of cephalopelvic disproportion. He outlines the history of the procedure and reviews the literature on the subject. He then presents results of 54 symphysiotomies performed from 1976 to 1983 in two rural hospitals in the southwestern highlands of Tanzania, together with the outcome of subsequent labor in 25 other women with a history of previous symphysiotomy. The risk of maternal mortality after symphysiotomy is lower than after cesarean section when performed for cephalopelvic disproportion. Although different in nature, maternal morbidity after both operations is equally common. In contrast with findings reported in the literature, a history of previous symphysiotomy still constitutes a high obstetrical risk. The author concludes that symphysiotomy has a place in the management of cephalopelvic disproportion.
Africa↗
[What about partial subcutaneous symphysiotomy or Zarate's operation? Review of the literature].
This study is a review of the literature on Zarate's partial subcutaneous symphysiotomy. Unfortunately, this operation is now forgotten since many obstetricians in western countries and even those of developing countries feel that symphysiotomy is an obsolete obstetric procedure. Partial subcutaneous symphysiotomy is an operation intended to widen the maternal pelvis in order to enable vaginal delivery in the presence of moderate feto-pelvic disproportion. The procedure, which requires only a urinary catheter, a scalpel and local anesthesia, consists of division of the anterior ligament of the public symphysis and part of the inferior ligament (arcuate ligament of the pelvis), while leaving intact the superior ligament or "anatomo-surgical restraint" of Zarate, ensuring limitation of pelvic spread. Symphysiotomy has currently been abandoned by all or almost all teams because of its alleged maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We feel, however, that in certain rural areas of third world countries, often ill-equipped and with poor medical services, this procedure can still be very useful in certain exceptional situations in dystocia by moderate feto-pelvic disproportion, in circumstances in which cesarean section is impossible. The experience of the rare teams still using symphysiotomy shows that a degree of disdain is legitimate in face of the ominous reservations expressed as to the possible complications of this procedure.
Dystocia↗
A retrospective study of matched symphysiotomies and caesarian sections at Port Moresby General Hospital.
The caesarian section rate at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) is 26.7/1000 and the symphysiotomy rate 2.5/1000 deliveries respectively. 40% of the caesarian sections are for cephalopelvic disproportion and in 50% of these cases the diagnosis is made late in labour; it is this group that is compared with the symphysiotomy group. The morbidities of each group are similar, 64% and 62% respectively. The maternal mortality rate in the caesarian section group was 11.6/1000 and the perinatal mortality 160/1000. There were no maternal deaths in the symphysiotomy group and the perinatal mortality rate was 82/1000. It is recommended that symphysiotomy should be more widely accepted as a safe alternative to caesarian section from both the maternal and foetal point of view.
Adult↗
Safe motherhood: cesarean section or symphysiotomy?
The place of symphysiotomy in the management of cephalopelvic disproportion is discussed on the basis of the existing literature, reviewing maternal mortality and morbidity after symphysiotomy and the vaginal delivery rate in a subsequent pregnancy after a previous symphysiotomy. These are compared with the outcome of cesarean section performed in similar circumstances.
Cesarean Section↗
Symphysiotomy and fetal destructive operations.
Symphysiotomy and fetal destructive operations - while rarely, if ever, performed in developed countries - are an option in developing nations of the world. Problems endemic to developing countries not infrequently predispose to patients arriving at health care facilities in a moribund state with neglected labour. The health care provider then has to decide on the options available to him to deliver the mother by the safest route without incurring morbidity and mortality. Under the circumstances, the outcome for the baby will depend on factors prevalent at the time. If the fetus is alive, then the choice is between a Caesarean section and symphysiotomy, and if the fetus has died, a destructive procedure is an option to abdominal-route delivery which carries considerable risk to the mother. The following review outlines the role of symphysiotomy and fetal destructive operations and their role in modern obstetrics.
Cesarean Section↗
Symphysiotomy for the trapped aftercoming parts of the breech: a review of the literature and a plea for its use.
The most dreaded complication of vaginal breech delivery is entrapment of the aftercoming head. When this is due to disproportion, persistent attempts at vaginal extraction are likely to result in a dead or damaged baby. A largely unknown solution in this desperate predicament is to surgically enlarge the pelvis by means of a symphysiotomy. A review of the literature shows that symphysiotomy performed to free the trapped aftercoming head will save at least 80% of babies if the procedure is performed without delay. Every obstetrician should be prepared to perform a symphysiotomy if the aftercoming head is trapped.
Breech Presentation↗
Symphysiotomy or caesarean section after failed trial of assisted delivery.
The perinatal and maternal outcomes of 65 symphysiotomies and 108 caesarean sections carried out after failed trial of assisted delivery at the Port Moresby General Hospital between 1988 and 1994 were retrospectively analyzed. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes between the treatment groups. There were no maternal deaths in either group. Mothers who had symphysiotomy had a longer postoperative stay in hospital but fewer complications requiring further surgery. There are many advantages of symphysiotomy, particularly in developing countries, following a failed trial of assisted delivery, provided the indications for it are strictly met. Obstetricians experienced in the technique are able to apply it at the optimal time, with long-term benefit to their patients, who thereby avoid the risks of pregnancy subsequent to caesarean section.
Apgar Score↗
Symphysiotomy: a viable approach for delayed management of posterior urethral injuries in children.
PURPOSE: The outcome of symphysiotomy for accessing pelvic fracture related, obliterative urethral strictures is described. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In 7 boys and 3 girls 4 to 13 years old (mean age 6) surgical correction of a pelvic fracture related, obliterative urethral stricture was achieved through symphysiotomy. The stricture involved a prostatomembranous location in boys and complete vesicourethral distraction in girls. Patients were followed an average of 2.5 years (range 6 months to 4 years) by physical examination, urethrography and endoscopy. RESULTS: The stricture was successfully corrected in all patients and all void with a normal flow. All boys are continent but 2 of the 3 girls had early incontinence, which resolved with time in 1. In 2 of the 10 cases a previous attempt at perineal repair had already failed. No patient required urethrotomy or dilation and none had significant hemorrhage, fistulization, bladder hernia, chronic pain or secondary gait disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: Symphysiotomy is hereby revisited as a simple and effective approach for repairing traumatic posterior urethral injuries in the pediatric population. It can be performed instead of transpubic urethroplasty to manage long or otherwise complicated strictures.
Adolescent↗
Catastrophic shoulder dystocia and emergency symphysiotomy.
We present three cases of shoulder dystocia unrelieved by standard maneuvers, including cephalic replacement. Symphysiotomy was performed in an effort to preserve fetal life. All three infants sustained severe neurologic injury and later died. Maternal morbidity including urinary incontinence was significant but responded to treatment. Symphysiotomy may be the only method of relieving some cases of shoulder dystocia, but its role remains unclear because of operator inexperience and maternal morbidity.
Adult↗
Value of symphysiotomy in obstructed labour management and follow-up of 31 cases.
Experience of 32 cases of symphysiotomy carried out in Mozambique and in Botswana is reviewed. Of all cases only 1 was lost to follow-up. The observation period varied from 7 days to 6 months. Among 31 cases examined at discharge or on return from check-up few complications occurred. Vaginal laceration occurred in 3 cases, haematuria in 1 case and wound infection in 1 case. In 2 cases there was significant postoperative pain causing gait problems, but in no case were there significant problems with pain at discharge or at follow-up. It is concluded that the intervention is seldom complicated by severe sequelae, provided strict adherence to given indications is respected. In rural areas in the third world symphysiotomy is a life-saving and simple surgical intervention, which should be regarded as an adjunct measure in some cases with a moderately contracted pelvic outlet incompatible with normal vaginal delivery.
Botswana↗
Emergency symphysiotomy for the trapped head in breech delivery: indications, limitations and method.
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.
Breech Presentation↗
Six years' experience of symphysiotomy in a teaching hospital.
One hundred and sixty-one symphysiotomies were performed at Harari Maternity Hospital, Rhodesia, over a 6-year period. Indications for the operation are discussed and fetal and maternal results reviewed. Seventy-two patients suffered from postoperative complications but the majority of these were minor and of short duration. Multiparous patients did not have a higher morbidity than did primiparous ones. It is concluded that symphysiotomy has a useful role to play in a teaching hospital, provided it is performed by an experienced surgeon on carefully selected patients.
Adult↗
Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in horseshoe kidney in children: is it effective without symphysiotomy?
Contemporary reports on surgery for horseshoe kidney (HK) still recommend isthmotomy and lateropexy to complete an open pyeloplasty. To evaluate whether simple Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty without symphysiotomy is effective for relief of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in HK, we studied the records of ten children, two of whom had bilateral UPJO. Only one child presented with calculi; 11 units were operated upon for UPJO, 1 needed a partial nephrectomy. The surgical outcome was evaluated with emphasis on the changes in renal drainage and function assessed by ultrasonography and diuretic renal scans. Associated vesicoureteral reflux was observed more often (25%) than with UPJO in normal kidneys. Obstruction was caused by a crossing lower-pole vessel in three cases, a high ureteral insertion in two and narrowing of the UPJ 7. Postoperative follow-up (mean 5.5 years) revealed improved renal function and good drainage in all cases. Hydronephrosis vanished in 7, whereas grade 2 hydronephrosis remained in two children with former refluxive megaureter and grade 3 in one. All children are doing well and have no symptoms due to the persistent isthmus (Rovsing syndrome). It is concluded that simple Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty via a flank incision is a highly effective and safe procedure for treating UPJO in HK.
Child↗
Shoulder dystocia and symphysiotomy: a case report.
Symphysiotomy in a case of severe shoulder dystocia resulted in a successful vaginal delivery. Maternal morbidity, however, was considerable.
Adult↗
Use of mandibular symphysiotomy to allow extensive caudal hemimaxillectomy in a dog.
A 5-year-old dog was presented with a large caudal maxillary osteosarcoma, which was causing extreme pain on opening of the mouth. The mass was not resectable through a standard oral approach. This article describes the successful use of mandibular symphysiotomy to allow extensive caudal hemimaxillectomy to remove the mass and provide excellent postoperative quality of life for the dog.
Animals↗