title: [Symphysiotomy to relieve shoulder dystocia].
abstract: Symphysiotomy to manage shoulder dystocia is seldom used in the western world. For this reason, in well-resourced countries knowledge of its recuperation rate and the management of physical discomfort in the post-partum period is scarce. We describe two cases of symphysiotomy for shoulder dystocia. Both babies did very well in the postpartum period. The short-term 6-week and 6-month follow-up of both mothers is described. Short-term maternal complications were minor and based on prolonged immobilization. In accordance with the international literature, the short-term and long-term follow-up after symphysiotomy for shoulder dystocia was good and there were no major maternal or neonatal complications. We therefore wish to advocate symphysiotomy as a good and safe option to deliver a baby in cases of severe shoulder dystocia, when all other manoeuvres fail.
authors.affiliation: Radboudumc, Nijmegen.
authors.forename: Selma M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Mourad
authors.forename: Hedwig P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: van de Nieuwenhof
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Biert
authors.forename: Wieteke M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Heidema
authors.forename: Mireille N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Bekker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004420:Dystocia / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010808:Physical Examination; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012782:Shoulder; D013567:Symphysiotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome