Symphysiotomy for obstructed labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed labour is a major cause of maternal mortality. Caesarean section can be associated with risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it is not always readily available. Symphysiotomy can be an alternative treatment for obstructed labour and requires fewer resources. However, there is uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. OBJECTIVES: To compare symphysiotomy and caesarean section for obstructed labour. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL, African Index Medicus, Reproductive Health Library and Science Citation Index (from inception to November 2015) without language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies comparing symphysiotomy and caesarean section in all settings, with maternal and perinatal mortality as key outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Quality of the included studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist and the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Relative risks (RR) were pooled using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I(2) tests. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies (n = 1266 women), all of which were set in low- and middle-income countries (as per the World Bank definition) and compared symphysiotomy and caesarean section were identified. Meta-analyses showed no significant difference in maternal (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.13-1.76; P = 0.27) or perinatal (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.64-1.96; P = 0.69) mortality with symphysiotomy when compared with caesarean section. There was a reduction in infection (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.62) but an increase in fistulae (RR 4.19, 95% CI 1.07-16.39) and stress incontinence with symphysiotomy (RR 10.04, 95% CI 3.23-31.21). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in key outcomes of maternal and perinatal mortality with symphysiotomy when compared with caesarean section. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Symphysiotomy could be an alternative to caesarean section when resources are limited.

The Irish experience of Symphysiotomy: 40 years onwards.

The art of symphysiotomy for delivery in the instance of cephalopelvic disproportion has been a dying art since the advent of caesarean section but in Ireland this surgical procedure was not abolished until 1992. This practice is still present in the developing world and in some circumstances used in developed countries. This study offers some insights on the 40-year follow-up of patients who had undergone symphysiotomy.

Symphysiotomy.

The place of symphysiotomy, as an alternative to Caesarean section (CS), in the management of established obstructed labour in low- and middle-income, resource-poor countries (LMICs), is reviewed. It is suggested that it does have a very definite place, especially in mothers of low age and parity, in circumstances where medical facilities are limited, where antenatal care and hospital delivery are not assured in a future pregnancy, and in cultures where it is important to the woman that a vaginal delivery is achieved.

What are the functional results and complications from allograft reconstruction after partial hemipelvectomy of the pubis?

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing hemipelvectomies including resection either of a portion of the pubis or the entire pubis from the symphysis to the lateral margin of the obturator foramen while sparing the hip (so-called Dunham Type III hemipelvectomies), reconstructions typically are not performed given the preserved continuity of the weightbearing axis and the potential complications associated with reconstruction. Allograft reconstruction of the pelvic ring may, however, offer benefits for soft tissue reconstruction of the pelvic floor and hip stability, but little is known about these reconstructions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the postoperative functional status after allograft reconstruction of Type III pelvic defects? (2) What are the rates of hernia, infection, and hip instability? METHODS: In this case series, we reviewed all patients with Type III pelvic resections (with or without anterior acetabular wall resections) who underwent allograft reconstruction between 2005 and 2013 at one center (N = 14). During the period in question, reconstruction was the general approach used in patients undergoing these resections; during that time, three other patients were treated without reconstruction as a result of either surgeon preference or the patient choosing to not have reconstruction after a discussion of the risks and benefits. Of the 14 patients treated with reconstruction, complete followup was available at a minimum of 1 year in 11 (other than those who died before the end of the first year; median, 19 months; range 16-70 months among those surviving), one was lost to followup before a year, and two others had partial telephone or email followup. Patient demographics, disease status, functional status, and complications were recorded. For a portion of the cohort (four patients) later in the series, we used a novel technique for anterior acetabular wall reconstruction using the concave cartilaginous surface of a proximal fibula allograft; the others received either a long bone (humerus or femur) or hemipelvis graft. Seven patients died of disease; two had local recurrence, and five died of metastatic disease. RESULTS: All patients remained ambulatory Pain at 12 months after surgery was reported as none in five, mild in two, moderate in two, and severe in one. Operative complications included infection in two, symptomatic hernia in one, hip instability in one, dislocated total hip arthroplasty on the first postoperative day in one, and graft failure in one. CONCLUSIONS: Allograft reconstruction after Type III pelvic resections can provide functional reconstruction of the pelvic ring, pelvic floor, and, in certain patients with partial anterior acetabular resections, the resected anterior acetabulum. This has implications in preventing the occurrence of hernia and hip instability in this patient population that is classically not reconstructed, although longer-term outcomes in a larger number of patients would help to better delineate this because infection, hernia, hip instability, and graft nonunion still remain concerns with this approach. The most important unanswered question remains whether, on balance, any benefits that may accrue to these patients as the result of reconstruction are offset by a relatively high likelihood of undergoing secondary or revision surgery.

[Symphysiotomy to relieve shoulder dystocia]. / Symfysiotomie voor het opheffen van schouderdystocie.

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.

Radiographic findings after pubic symphysiotomy: mean time to follow-up of 41.6 years.

BACKGROUND: Pubic symphysiotomy is a rarely performed procedure in which the pubic symphysis is divided to facilitate vaginal delivery in cases of obstructed labor. Recently, many obstetricians have shown renewed interest in this procedure. The purpose of this paper is to report the long-term radiographic findings for patients who had undergone pubic symphysiotomy compared with the radiographic appearance of a group of age-matched and parity-matched controls. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study. Twenty-five women who had previously undergone pubic symphysiotomy for childbirth were compared with twenty-five age-matched and parity-matched controls. The radiographic parameters recorded included pubic symphysis width, pubic symphysis translation, grade of sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis, and presence of parasymphyseal degeneration. RESULTS: The mean time to follow-up after symphysiotomy was 41.6 years (range, twenty-two to fifty-five years). The symphysiotomy group had a significantly higher proportion of patients (80%) with high-grade sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis (Grade 3 or 4 according to the Kellgren and Lawrence osteoarthritis scoring system) than the control group (16%) (p < 0.001). Within the symphysiotomy group, patients with high-grade sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis tended to be older, have a longer time to follow-up, and have a larger pubic symphysis width. The control group had a higher prevalence of parasymphyseal degeneration than did the symphysiotomy group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Late-onset sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis secondary to pelvic instability was a major finding in this study and, to our knowledge, has not been discussed previously in the literature regarding pubic symphysiotomy.

The effect of abaxial retraction on pelvic geometry after pelvic symphysiotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect abaxial retraction after pelvic symphysiotomy has on the geometry of the sacroiliac joints (SIs) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine cadavers (n = 9). METHODS: Canine cadavers free of sacroiliac disease had pelvic symphysiotomy and retraction to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of transverse sacral width, followed by axial reduction of the symphysis. Before symphysiotomy, after each abaxial retraction value, and after reduction of the symphysis each SI joint had a computed tomographic scan to evaluate the effect on the SI joints. RESULTS: There was no luxation at 25% abaxial retraction, unilateral SI luxation in three cadavers after 50% abaxial retraction and in all cadavers after 75% abaxial retraction. Axial reduction of the symphysis resolved all luxations. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic symphysiotomy and abaxial retraction between 50% and 75% of transverse sacral width leads to unilateral SI luxation, which is resolved by axial reduction. While not likely requiring ancillary stabilization, SI joint luxation may be a cause for additional postoperative pain, reluctance to ambulate, and prolonged hospitalization/recovery.

Laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty without symphysiotomy for hydronephrosis with horseshoe kidney.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to clarify whether symphysiotomy is an essential procedure combined with the laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the surgical treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction related to horseshoe kidney. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed five horseshoe kidney patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis who underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty without symphysiotomy between July 2002 and October 2011. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 209 min and 40 mL, respectively. Anterior crossing vessels were observed in all cases, and four of them were defined as a principle cause of the obstruction. In the remaining case, intrinsic stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction was noted. Crossing vessels were transposed behind the ureter with ureteropelvic anastomosis at the anterior aspect of these structures. Preoperative symptoms were absent postoperatively in all cases. Diuretic renogram showed that renal function of the side with hydronephrosis was unchanged, but diuretic excretion half-time was diminished in all cases. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that symphysiotomy can be avoided in many, if not all, cases of hydronephrosis related to horseshoe kidney. Laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty with transposition of anterior crossing vessels seems effective, especially if aberrant vessels are strongly suspected to be present from the preoperative imaging examination.

[October the 1st 1777: Sigault executes the first symphysiotomy on a living woman]. / Primo ottobre 1777: Sigault esegue la prima sinfisiotomia su donna viva dalle cronache dell'epoca.

Hippocrates observed that in women, during childbirth, the iliac bones because of the failure of the joints disconnet and move away from their anchorage. In the 17th and 18h century, doctors plagued with severe and frequent mechanical dystocies, often fatal, devoted themselves to resolve these problem through measures aimed at obtaining a more modest growth of the fetus (thanks to an appropriate maternal nutrition, or induction of preterm birth) and both encouraging artificially and strengthening the natural pelvic collapse descripted by Hippocrates. They realized, but with little success, prophylactic measures (fumigation of the pelvis, local applications of emollients, fracture of the del coccyx in the female newborns, antepartum coitus), and absurd pharmacological remedies or resorted to intrapartum obstetric maneuvers, but they did non forget even to suggest the voluntary sterility to stunted or kyphotic women. The symphysiotomy on living women, officially performed for the first time by Dr. Sigault in 1777, in Paris (but certainly in 1774 by Prof. Ferrara in Naples) modified the obstetrical assistance.

Symphysiotomy for feto-pelvic disproportion.

BACKGROUND: 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 during childbirth. It is performed with local analgesia and does not require an operating theatre nor advanced surgical skills. It may be a lifesaving procedure for the mother or the baby, or both, in several clinical situations. These include: failure to progress in labour when caesarean section is unavailable, unsafe or declined by the mother; and obstructed birth of the aftercoming head of a breech presenting baby. Criticism of the operation because of complications, particularly pelvic instability, and as being a 'second best' option has resulted in its decline or disappearance from use in many countries. Several large observational studies have reported high rates of success, low rates of complications and very low mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine, from the best available evidence, the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy versus alternative options for obstructed labour in various clinical situations. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (7 July 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials comparing symphysiotomy with alternative management, or alternative techniques of symphysiotomy, for obstructed labour or obstructed aftercoming head during breech birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Planned methods included evaluation of studies against objective quality criteria for inclusion, extraction of data, and analysis of data using risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcomes were maternal death or severe morbidity, and perinatal death or severe morbidity. MAIN RESULTS: We found no randomized trials of symphysiotomy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Because of controversy surrounding the use of symphysiotomy, and the possibility that it may be a life-saving procedure in certain circumstances, professional and global bodies should provide guidelines for the use (or non-use) of symphysiotomy based on the best available evidence (currently evidence from observational studies). Research is needed to provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy compared with no symphysiotomy or comparisons of alternative symphysiotomy techniques in clinical situations in which caesarean section is not available; and compared with caesarean section in clinical situations in which the relative risks and benefits are uncertain (for example in women at very high risk of complications from caesarean section).

Indication.

Should the indications for therapies differ from one nation to the next? What are the reasons behind controversial therapeutic variations? What roles do cultural history and authoritarian conflict among clinicians play in the adoption of therapies? When I worked at a rural hospital in Kenya, a woman experiencing obstructed labor made me ponder many questions-but only after our emergency ended in the death of her newborn son. In recounting and learning from this episode, I listened to the disparate Kenyan voices of the patient, the hospital's director, the consultant obstetrician, and to the even more controversial voices of evidence-based medicine. In reflecting on this process, I have learned at least 3 lessons-about the transmissibility of arrogance, the role of guests in other countries, and the nature of science.

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 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.

Symphysiotomy- a dying art: the experience at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To review the indications, outcome and complications of symphysiotomy done in Federal Medical Centre Umuahia during the study period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a 5-year review of all women who had symphysiotomy at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia. The total number of the procedure performed, and all the deliveries conducted at the hospital in the study period were obtained from the labour ward register. The case notes of the patients were then retrieved and their biodata and other relevant information were obtained and summarized in frequency tables and percentages. RESULTS: Ten (10) symphysiotomies were performed among 3702 deliveries conducted during the period under review giving a rate of 0.27%. Seventy per cent of the patients were aged 30 years and below, mean age was 26 (± SD4.9) years. Most of the patients were multiparous women, only one was grandmultiparous. All were for mild to moderate cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). In one particular case, the patient also presented with retained second twin. They were all unbooked patients. Main complication was pelvic and leg pain but there were two cases of vesicovaginal fistula which may be a complication of obstructed labour since leakage of urine did not start immediately after the procedure. The birth weight of the babies ranged from 3kg to 4.2kg. There was no maternal mortality but two fresh stillbirths were recorded giving a perinatal mortality rate of 200 per 1000 total births. CONCLUSION: Symphysiotomy if done by a trained person, in well selected patients is still safe and can be life saving in environments where caesarean delivery is not well accepted and late presentation is common.

Symphysiotomy: Is it obsolete?

AIM: To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of symphysiotomy (SYM) and cesarean section (CS), when they were performed in women presenting with obstructed labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective comparative cohort study. Symphysiotomy was performed in 25 women who presented with obstructed labor. The controls were 50 women on whom CS was performed due to obstructed labor. Maternal mortality and morbidity due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), sepsis, genitourinary trauma, pelvic pain and gait problems were analyzed and compared between cases and controls. Neonatal mortality and morbidity due to birth asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, cephalohematoma and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were also compared following the two procedures. RESULTS: Maternal mortality was similar in both the cesarean section group (CSG) and symphysiotomy group (SG), but SYM has less morbidity than CS, and also preserves the uterus from scars. Transient pelvic pain was the most common maternal morbidity following SYM, whereas PPH and wound sepsis were the most common complications after CS. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were similar in both cases and controls. Lastly, SYM is a simple, low-cost and quicker procedure than CS. CONCLUSION: Symphysiotomy is an alternative management in women with obstructed labor. It has a role in low-resource settings, where CS is unaffordable, unavailable or unsafe. For the vast majority of the poor population, who may not have even have one proper meal a day, it can be of benefit to have a woman's pelvis made permanently adequate so that traditional birth attendants can conduct her subsequent labors.

Symphysiotomy for feto-pelvic disproportion.

BACKGROUND: 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 during childbirth. It is performed with local analgesia and does not require an operating theatre nor advanced surgical skills. It may be a lifesaving procedure for the mother or the baby, or both, in several clinical situations. These include: failure to progress in labour when caesarean section is unavailable, unsafe or declined by the mother; and obstructed birth of the aftercoming head of a breech presenting baby. Criticism of the operation because of complications, particularly pelvic instability, and as being a 'second best' option has resulted in its decline or disappearance from use in many countries. Several large observational studies have reported high rates of success, low rates of complications and very low mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine, from the best available evidence, the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy versus alternative options for obstructed labour in various clinical situations. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3) and PubMed (1966 to 31 August 2010). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials comparing symphysiotomy with alternative management, or alternative techniques of symphysiotomy, for obstructed labour or obstructed aftercoming head during breech birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Planned methods included evaluation of studies against objective quality criteria for inclusion, extraction of data, and analysis of data using risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcomes were maternal death or severe morbidity, and perinatal death or severe morbidity. MAIN RESULTS: We found no randomized trials of symphysiotomy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Because of controversy surrounding the use of symphysiotomy, and the possibility that it may be a life-saving procedure in certain circumstances, professional and global bodies should provide guidelines for the use (or non-use) of symphysiotomy based on the best available evidence (currently evidence from observational studies). Research is needed to provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy compared with no symphysiotomy or comparisons of alternative symphysiotomy techniques in clinical situations in which caesarean section is not available; and compared with caesarean section in clinical situations in which the relative risks and benefits are uncertain (for example in women at very high risk of complications from caesarean section).

Endoscopic pubic symphysectomy for reclacitrant osteitis pubis associated with bilateral femoroacetabular impingement.

This is the first reported case of the completely endoscopic management of osteitis pubis with pubic symphysectomy. A 31-year-old woman suffered from recalcitrant osteitis pubis that had progressed to an end-stage auto-fused condition. Ossified pubic symphyseal fibrocartilage and adjacent heterotopic bone were endoscopically removed as part of a comprehensive surgery that also involved bilateral arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. An innovative dual-portal (anterior and supra-pubic) endoscopic technique is presented along with the rationale for the preservation of the inferior (arcuate) pubic ligament and the posterior pubic ligament. Twelve months following this single-stage surgery, the patient reported high satisfaction with decreased pain, improved function, and resolution of a classic waddling gait. The association of intra-articular hip pathology with osteitis pubis is noted. We believe that this minimally invasive bone-conserving surgery may be useful in the management of recalcitrant osteitis pubis and perhaps find broader application in the outpatient endoscopic treatment of athletes afflicted with this condition.