THE ZAVANELLI MANEUVER FOR FETAL SHOULDER DYSTOCIA - 3 CASES WITH POOR OUTCOMES

BACKGROUND: There are several reports on the management of severe feta l shoulder dystocia by pushing the head back into the vagina and deliv ering the infant by cesarean section; this procedure is called the Zav anelli maneuver . CASES: Three cases were reviewed to determine the ou tcomes of the infants. The three neonates all demonstrated severe peri natal hypoxin that ultimately resulted in brain damage and/or death. C ONCLUSION: Management of shoulder dystocia using the Zavanelli maneuve r carries a high risk of severe infant perinatal hyooxia and damage.