INFLUENCE OF SONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATIONS DUR ING EXTERNAL VERSION IN BREECH PRESENTATION

External version was attempted in 70 pregnancies with foetuses in bree ch presentation near term. Version was successful in 50 patients (71 % ), 40 of whom delivered vaginally (80 %). Of the 20 patients in whom v ersion was not successful, only 7 patients (35 %) delivered vaginally. 2 patients required immediate Caesarean section after attempted versi on because of ominous foetal heart rate patterns. We analysed the sono graphic parameters associated with successful version. The location of the placenta, amount of amniotic fluid, foetal biometry (estimated fo etal weight, cephalic circumference, abdominal diameter, femur length) and extension or flexion of the foetal head were analysed. Only exten ded legs correlated with the success of the procedure. The results sug gest, that ultrasonography is an important prerequisite for successful version of a foetus in breech presentation near term.