Obstetric surgery

surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through a parent’s abdomen

Fetoscopy is an endoscopic procedure during pregnancy to allow surgical access to the fetus, the amniotic cavity, the umbilical cord, and the fetal side of the placenta. A small (3–4 mm) incision is made in the abdomen, and an endoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall and uterus into the amniotic cavity. Fetoscopy allows for medical interventions such as a biopsy (tissue sample) or a laser occlusion of abnormal blood vessels (such as chorioangioma) or the treatment of spina bifida.

Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the pubic symphysis is divided to widen the pelvis allowing childbirth when the baby has difficulty fitting through the pelvis (obstructed labour). It is also known as pelviotomy and synchondrotomy. It has largely been supplanted by C-sections, with the exception of certain rare obstetric emergencies or in resource poor settings. It is different from pubiotomy, where the pelvic bone itself is cut in two places, rather than cutting through the symphysis pubis joint.

medically unnecessary caesarean section