Spellacy W N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa 33606, USA.
J Reprod Med. 1995 Jul;40(7):543-4.
There are several reports on the management of severe fetal shoulder dystocia by pushing the head back into the vagina and delivering the infant by cesarean section; this procedure is called the Zavanelli maneuver.
Three cases were reviewed to determine the outcomes of the infants. The three neonates all demonstrated severe perinatal hypoxia that ultimately resulted in brain damage and/or death.
Management of shoulder dystocia using the Zavanelli maneuver carries a high risk of severe infant perinatal hypoxia and damage.
