The Zavanelli maneuver for relief of abdominal dystocia associated with gastroschisis

A patient with acute hydramnios and advanced preterm labor at 34 weeks was seen after gastroschisis had been diagnosed by second-trimester fetal ultrasonography. The fetus also had meconium peritonitis and acute ascites. The distended abdomen did not decompress spontaneously during the second stage of labor. Severe abdominal dystocia was resolved with the Zavanelli maneuver (cephalic replacement) and cesarean delivery. This is the first reported use of the Zavanelli maneuver for abdominal dystocia.