International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Sep 2024
ReviewAnaesthetic considerations for impacted fetal head at caesarean delivery: a focused review.
Impacted fetal head occurs when the fetal head is deeply engaged within the maternal pelvis and difficult to deliver during caesarean delivery. In order to deliver the fetal head, additional surgical manoeuvres and/or pharmacological tocolysis are needed. The aim of this focused review is to outline the incidence, risk factors, management and complications of this obstetric emergency from the perspective of the anaesthetist. ⋯ Impacted fetal head is an obstetric emergency that the anaesthetist should be familiar with and has a vital role in managing. We propose an algorithm for management that may serve as a clinical decision aid.