Ammalife Research: Symphysiotomy for Obstructed Labour

Symphysiotomy is a procedure which involves cutting a joint in the middle of the pelvis to widen it and to give more space during labour. This can aid in some cases of difficult deliveries, such as in obstructed labour. Obstructed labour, when natural delivery of a baby cannot be carried out smoothly, is a major reason leading to maternal death. One major cause is the when the baby’s head is too large and is therefore unable to pass through the birth canal.

Ammalife Change Maker Amie Wilson conducted a systematic review of symphysiotomy and maternal death in lower and middle income countries (LMICs). Read more below:

Introduction 

Obstructed labour can be addressed with caesarean section, but there are limitations, especially in low resources countries, where caesarean section is not routinely performed. In LMICs caesarean section can be associated with further negative consequences, which can affect women’s future pregnancies. In such cases, symphysiotomy can be an alternative to caesarean section. This study compares the two procedures, symphysiotomy and caesarean section, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of symphysiotomy.

Methodology

The authors filtered through other studies related to symphysiotomy and caesarean section, and summarised the results (systemic review) and data presented (meta-analysis).

The authors focused mainly on papers which evaluated maternal mortality and morbidity rates, as well as that of the babies between the 22^nd week of pregnancy and 7^th day after birth (perinatal). The morbidities examined included excessive blood loss (haemorrhage), unnatural connection between organs or between organs and the body surface (fistula), infection, and reduced ability to control small and large bowel motions due to additional physical pressures on the organs (stress incontinence).

The seven studies used were conducted between 1961 and 2006, in LMICs, particularly Nigeria, Tanzania, India, Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe. The patients involved in the studies were largely between the age of 20 and 30, and in their first pregnancy.

Main Results

No major difference was found with regards to both maternal and perinatal death rates, when symphysiotomy was compared to caesarean section. No significant variations were found in rates of stillbirth (death of foetus when still in the womb) or newborn mortality, or haemorrhage (excessive blood loss). When compared to caesarean section, symphysiotomy resulted in less infections, although this could be related to the antibiotics provided. However, symphysiotomy was found to be associated with increases in fistula and stress incontinence.

Conclusion

Further research would be required to investigate the exact effectiveness of symphysiotomy for obstructed labour. Nevertheless, with the results gained from this study, it is believed that symphysiotomy may be a good alternative when caesarean section is unavailable or deemed inappropriate, taking into consideration the women’s individual factors as well as environmental conditions.