Obstructed Labour in Resource-poor Settings: The Need for Revival of Symphysiotomy in Nigeria
Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and thus enlargement of the pelvic dimensions thereby facilitating vaginal delivery of the foetus in the presence of mild to moderate cephalopelvic disproportion. It is per...
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Published in | African journal of reproductive health Vol. 16; no. 3; p. 93 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Nigeria
Women's Health and Action Research Centre
01.09.2012
Women's Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic
symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and
thus enlargement of the pelvic dimensions thereby facilitating vaginal
delivery of the foetus in the presence of mild to moderate
cephalopelvic disproportion. It is performed with local anaesthesia,
does not require an operating theatre or advanced surgical skills. It
can be a lifesaving procedure for both mother and baby in obstructed
labour, especially in rural areas and resource-poor settings of
developing countries, where a 24 hours availability of a caesarean
section cannot be guaranteed. It is a simple underused technology that
can be performed by a graduate doctor or midwife in rural health
facilities and hospitals where most of the times, in Nigeria, there are
no practicing specialist obstetricians. In rural hospital and in
communities where sympysiotomy is still being performed, it is evident
that it is preferred to caesarean section because of the socio-cultural
desire to achieve a vaginal delivery. This paper highlights our
experiences with symphysiotomy in a rural Roman Catholic hospital
providing evidence on the safety of symphysiotomy and the need for its
revival and reinstatement in the obstetric arsenal in Nigeria and
similar countries in sub-Saharan Africa where maternal mortality as a
result of prolonged and neglected obstructed labour still occur (Afr J
Reprod Health 2012; 16[3]: 93-100). |
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ISSN: | 1118-4841 1118-4841 2141-3606 |