External cephalic version: first report from Thailand.

ABSTRACT

This prospective study was to preliminary report the safety and success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) in patients with breech presentation or transverse lie at 36 weeks of gestation or more. The aim of this procedure was to reduce the cesarean section rate from indication of breech presentation and transverse lie. This procedure was first started in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ramathibodi Hospital in June 1998. Thirty two patients were enrolled in this study. ECV was 65 per cent successful with the reversion rate of five per cent. There was no maternal or fetal complication related to this procedure. Factors associated with successful outcome in this study were the location of placenta, the position of fetal spine and the amount of amniotic fluid. A larger study is needed before the true success rate and the efficacy of this procedure can be apparent.