PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION FOR EXTERNAL VERSIONS OF BREECH PRESENTATION

The technique of external version of breech presentations has been pro posed as a tool to reduce morbidity of fetus and mother. 79 cases of a 3 year period were evaluated aiming at identification of risk factors improving the success rate of the intervention. A total of 48% of att empts was successful. The most frustrating single factor was identifie d to be the oligohydramnion. Posterior implantation of the placenta im proved the rate to 61%. The umbilical cord being localized by coloured Doppler had little influence even if positioned around the neck as ne ither success nor complications were predictabel in this case. Materna l adipositas had a negative influence on the success rate. Perinatal m orbidity war not increased in the group of external versions.