Recently, the external cephalic version procedure has attracted attention as an alternative for the operative or vaginal delivery of a breech-presenting fetus. Although this procedure has many benefits, including its comparative safety and economical efficiency, it is not free from complications. We report two cases of external versions attempted under epidural anesthesia. These cases demonstrate that the use of a neuraxial blockade during a version attempt can provide the appropriate conditions necessary for this procedure, as well as the ability to deal with complications in a timely and safe manner.
Anesthesia, Epidural ; Breech Presentation ; Female ; Fetus ; Pregnancy ; Version, Fetal

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the learning curve for external cephalic version (ECV) using learning curve-cumulative sum (LC-CUSUM) analysis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 290 consecutive cases between October 2013 and March 2017. We evaluated the learning curve for ECV on nulli and over para 1 group using LC-CUSUM analysis on the assumption that 50% and 70% of ECV procedures succeeded by description a trend-line of quadratic function with reliable R² values. RESULTS: The overall success rate for ECV was 64.8% (188/290), while the success rate for nullipara and over para 1 groups was 56.2% (100/178) and 78.6% (88/112), respectively. ‘H’ value, that the actual failure rate does not differ from the acceptable failure rate, was −3.27 and −1.635 when considering ECV success rates of 50% and 70%, respectively. Consequently, in order to obtain a consistent 50% success rate, we would require 57 nullipara cases, and in order to obtain a consistent 70% success rate, we would require 130 nullipara cases. In contrast, 8 to 10 over para 1 cases would be required for an expected success rate of 50% and 70% on over para 1 group. CONCLUSION: Even a relatively inexperienced physician can experience success with multipara and after accumulating experience, they will manage nullipara cases. Further research is required for LC-CUSUM involving several practitioners instead of a single practitioner. This will lead to the gradual implementation of standard learning curve guidelines for ECV.
Amniotic Fluid ; Breech Presentation ; Female ; Learning Curve* ; Learning* ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Version, Fetal*

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric outcomes of external cephalic version (ECV) performed at or near term. METHODS: Single pregnant woman with breech presentation at or near term (n=145), who experienced ECV by one obstetrician from November 2009 to July 2014 in our institution were included in the study. Maternal baseline characteristic and fetal ultrasonographic variables were checked before the procedure. After ECV, the delivery outcomes of the women were gathered. Variables affecting the success or failure of ECV were evaluated. RESULTS: Success rate of ECV was 71.0% (n=103). Four variables (parity, amniotic fluid index, fetal spine position and rotational direction) were observed to be in correlation with success or failure of ECV. In contactable 83 individuals experienced successful ECV, cesarean delivery rates were 18.1%, 28.9%, and 5.3% in total, nulliparas, and multiparas, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, ECV is proposed to be safe for both mother and her fetus. In addition, it is a valuable procedure that increases probability of vaginal delivery for women with breech presentation.
Amniotic Fluid ; Breech Presentation ; Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; Korea* ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Spine ; Version, Fetal*

Currently, the rate of cesarean sections being performed in Korea is approximately 40%, with Korea ranking 4th among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with respect to cesarean deliveries. Breech presentation at term is an important indication for cesarean section among other factors, including medicolegal concerns and pregnancies in women of advanced maternal age. Term breech presentation is associated with a higher fetal mortality rate than that associated with a cephalic presentation. Therefore, in Korea, most of these women deliver by cesarean section to avoid the complications of vaginal breech delivery. However, cesarean section is itself associated with considerable obstetric morbidity and sometimes, mortality. External cephalic version (ECV) is a useful method to reduce the cesarean section rate in women with breech presentation and therefore to reduce the incidence of breech presentation at delivery. Studies have shown that routine use of ECV reduces the cesarean section rate by approximately two-thirds in term pregnancies with breech presentation. ECV is accepted as a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective method and is recommended by both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in all pregnancies with term breech presentation, if not contraindicated. In Korea, although most clinicians are aware of the option of ECV, their relative lack of experience in performing the procedure and fear of complications render them hesitant to perform ECV. This review is aimed at guiding obstetricians by describing the efficacy, safety concerns, and technical aspects of this procedure.
Breech Presentation ; Cardiotocography ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Fetal Mortality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Maternal Age ; Methods ; Mortality ; Pregnancy ; Version, Fetal

Uterine rupture is usually associated with previous uterine scar. Although intrapartum rupture of unscarred uterus is very rare, it may cause catastrophic outcomes to both the mother and the newborn infant compared with that of a scarred uterus. The present case describes our experience of anesthesia for an emergency cesarean section due to the arrest of fetal descent in a 36-year-old parturient who had undergone external cephalic version for the breech presentation of her fetus. We detected the rupture of her unscarred uterus during the operation under epidural anesthesia, which was changed to general anesthesia. Despite the uterine rupture the newborn infant survived uneventfully. At the postoperative twelfth day she was discharged from hospital with her baby.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anesthesia, General ; Breech Presentation ; Cesarean Section* ; Cicatrix ; Emergencies ; Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Mothers ; Oxytocin ; Pregnancy ; Rupture* ; Uterine Rupture ; Uterus* ; Version, Fetal

version (ECV) and to minimize the complications, it is important to identify the predictors of success. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the height of the elevated fetal buttock (HOB) is a valuable predictor of successful ECV or not.METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from August 2016 to June 2018. A total of 139 pregnant women with breech presentation were enrolled in the study. HOB from the maternal pubic symphysis was measured on ultrasonography. The predictability and cut-off value of HOB for successful ECV were evaluated.RESULTS: Among the 139 patients, 114 (82%) had successful ECV. The adjusted odds ratio for multiparity, amniotic fluid index (AFI) >14 cm, and HOB >7.8 cm were 10.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–74.94), 5.26 (95% CI, 1.06–26.19), and 10.50 (95% CI, 1.03–107.12), respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for AFI, HOB, and parity were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54–0.78), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64–0.85), and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62–0.76), respectively. HOB had the largest AUC, but there were no significant differences among the AUCs of other factors. The cut-off value of HOB was 6 cm.CONCLUSION: This study showed that the AUC of HOB was greater than that of parity and AFI, although it was not statistically significant. As HOB is a noninvasive and comprehensive marker to predict successful ECV, consideration of HOB would be helpful before conducting ECV. Further studies are needed.]]>
Amniotic Fluid ; Area Under Curve ; Breech Presentation ; Buttocks ; Female ; Humans ; Odds Ratio ; Parity ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Prospective Studies ; Pubic Symphysis ; Ultrasonography ; Version, Fetal

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate following amnioinfusion in pregnant women undergoing external cephalic version (ECV) after initial failure. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 17 consecutive pregnant women from October 2013 to May 2015. ECV was performed with amnioinfusion after initial failure. The success rates of ECV and vaginal delivery, including pregnancy outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS: ECV was performed at an average of 37.3±0.6 weeks of gestational age. Eight of seventeen patients were nulliparous. The estimated fetal weight was 2,688±279 g, and the amniotic fluid index was 6.4±2.6 cm. The overall success rate of ECV was 70.6% (12/17), and the success rates in nulliparous and multiparous women were 75.0% (6/8) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively. The rate of emergent cesarean section within 24 hours was 11.8% (2/17). Excluding one women who were lost to follow-up, the rate of normal vaginal delivery was 81.8% (9/11) among the women who had successful ECV. We did not observe any complications such as uterine rupture, placental abruption, or intrauterine fetal death. CONCLUSION: Although ECV with amnioinfusion after initial failure might help increase the success rate of ECV, it needs to be further evaluated in larger studies.
Abruptio Placentae ; Amniotic Fluid ; Breech Presentation ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Fetal Death ; Fetal Weight ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnant Women* ; Prospective Studies ; Uterine Rupture ; Version, Fetal*