ABSTRACT
The authors explain the technique and the indications of the Zarate's operation. This non-total subcutaneous symphysiotomy eases delivery through natural canals of a cephalic presentation blocked at either the interspinous or at the inferior strait of the pelvis. Such an intervention, almost ignored in France, is really useful in the developing countries. Rather easily performed, it makes possible to limit the necessity of a cesarean section, to prevent both mother and child from serious trauma when instrumental extraction has become necessary in a dystocic pelvis, and finally to reduce the occurrence of vesico-vaginal fistula and hysterorrhexis. On the credit of this method, a special notice must be given to its practicability and to the fact that the uterus remains undamaged. On the other hand, the post-operative recovery is somewhat longer and with more disabling conditions than with the cesarean section; some painful and motor side effects which may last for a rather long time may be imputable to it.
