Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Issue: Volume 25, Number 2 / February 2005 Pages: 115 - 116 URL: Linking <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/%28a0anjt55lj5eqq45gdgc4dfy%29/app/home/l inking.asp?referrer=linking&target=contribution&id=K314384NL611LM79&backto=c ontribution,1,1;issue,3,47;journal,15,75;linkingpublicationresults,1:100389, 1;> Options DOI: 10.1080/01443610500040547 Reversal of the decision for caesarean section in the second stage of labour on the basis of consultant vaginal assessment KS Oláh Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 6BW, UK Abstract: During a 5-year period there were 32 cases where the vaginal assessment performed by a specialist registrar in the second stage of labour was re-assessed within 15 minutes by a consultant obstetrician. The examination was prompted by a request for permission to perform a caesarean section in the second stage of labour. The results suggest a significant discrepancy between the consultants and the specialist registrar's findings, with 44% of the cases indicating a difference in the position of the head, and 81% a difference in the station of the head. No comment was made about caput or moulding in the majority of cases (94%). The study findings suggest that vaginal examination, like instrumental delivery, is a skill that is being eroded and will require formal instruction to address this problem.
