Utilization of instruments in the chairman's curio cabinet: a case report.

BACKGROUND

The use of fetal destructive instruments found in curio cabinets may be unfathomable; however, these instruments continue to have a role in select cases.

CASE: A 30-year-old multigravida at 40 weeks' gestation had 3 prior normal vaginal deliveries in Africa followed by a cesarean delivery with a complicated postoperative course in the United States. She was intent on having a vaginal delivery, despite repeated recommendations for surgery due to nonreassuring fetal status. After fetal demise and subsequent arrest of labor, vaginal cephalocentesis and fetal extraction were used to achieve delivery. CONCLUSION Fetal destructive procedures, such as the one described here, have a role in modern obstetrics in select cases. In addition, despite an unfortunate fetal outcome, respect for patient autonomy is paramount and is consistent with the recommendations of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (J Reprod