| Symphysiotomy | |
|---|---|
 The black area marked by a "5" is the pubic symphysis, which is divided during the procedure | |
| ICD-9-CM | 73.94 |
Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the pubic symphysis is divided to widen the pelvis allowing childbirth when there is a mechanical problem (obstructed labour). It is also known as pelviotomy[1] and synchondrotomy.[1] It has largely been supplanted by C-sections, with the exception of certain rare obstetric emergencies or in resource poor settings. It is different than pubiotomy, where the pelvic bone itself is cut in two places, rather than cutting though the symphysis pubis joint.[2]
- ^ a b "symphysiotomy". The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Archived from the original on 2014-01-07. Retrieved March 22, 2012 – via Dictionary.com.
- ^ "pubiotomy". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)