The role of cephalocentesis in modern obstetrics.
OBJECTIVE
Destructive procedures to permit vaginal delivery of the fetus with hydrocephalus are rarely performed.


METHODS
We performed intrapartum cephalocentesis in 3 cases in which alobar holoprosencephaly was diagnosed in the third trimester.


RESULTS
All 3 fetuses were stillborn. Two delivered vaginally, and one delivered abdominally with a lower uterine incision.


CONCLUSIONS
A reappraisal of the proper role of cephalocentesis in modern obstetrics is offered.
Chasen
S T
ST
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Chervenak
F A
FA
McCullough
L B
LB
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000601:surgery*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D016142:Holoprosencephaly / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D019152:Paracentesis; D011247:Pregnancy