A novel technique for a difficult breech delivery

Abstract

Background: Breech presentation and delivery are important complications of labor and delivery, which, although dealt with by the emergency physician infrequently, can represent major morbidity and mortality to both the mother and fetus if techniques are not performed correctly.

Objectives: We aim to describe a technique for breech delivery that was used successfully when all conventional techniques had failed. To our knowledge, this technique has not been described in previous literature.

Case report: A 36-year-old woman presented to an urban emergency department in active labor. The physicians were called to the triage area, and found the patient lying on the floor with a limp, cyanotic-appearing fetus delivered to the level of the mid thorax. The arms and shoulders were delivered successfully, but after all traditional maneuvers to deliver the head were unsuccessful, a novel approach was used successfully and is described in this report.

Conclusion: We have described a novel, seemingly safe, and effective technique to use in breech delivery when traditional techniques have failed.