Symphysiotomy is an outdated surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the pubic symphysis is divided to widen the pelvis. The most common indications are a trapped head of a breech baby, shoulder dystocia which does not resolve with routine manoeuvres, and obstructed labor at full cervical dilation. In some Irish cases, caesarean sections were performed after symphysiotomies.
About Symphysiotomy in brief
Symphysiotomy is an outdated surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the pubic symphysis is divided to widen the pelvis. It is also known as pelviotomy, synchondrotomy. The most common indications are a trapped head of a breech baby, shoulder dystocia which does not resolve with routine manoeuvres, and obstructed labor at full cervical dilation. In some Irish cases, caesarean sections were performed after symphysiotomies. The procedure carries the risks of urethral and bladder injury, fistulas, infection, pain, and long-term walking difficulty. Symphysiotomy should, therefore, be carried out only when there is no safe alternative. In 2008, the Irish Human Rights Commission recommended that the Government should reconsider its decision not to set up an independent inquiry into sym Physiotomy. On 18 February 2010, an RTÉ Prime Time documentary revealed that, over half a century, some 1,500 women had symphys Elliotomies performed on them in childbirth by doctors to ensure childbearing without limitation, train medical personnel and perfect surgery for Africa.
A debate on the issue was heard on 15 March 2012, which was organised by Deputy Caoimhín Ó Caoláin. Leading the debate in the Dáil, Ó Óiláin compared symphysotomy to clerical abuse: ‘The symphysOTomy is a clinical scandal on a par with the two clerical scandals we have seen in the past with the clerical scandal of Caolin and Caolotomy.’ The Minister for Health refused. Instead, a training programme called IOG, a body reviewing operations carried out by some of its own members for teaching purposes, has been commissioned to inquire into itself by the IOG. It has been suggested that during that period, non-Catholic doctors recommended sterilisation of women after three Caesareans.
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This page is based on the article Symphysiotomy published in Wikipedia (as of Nov. 17, 2020) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
