Favorable neonatal outcome after fetal entrapment and partially successful Zavanelli maneuver in a case of breech presentation.

A 16-year-old primigravida woman presented in advanced labor with a singleton breech presentation. Vaginal delivery was considered to be possible, but entrapment at the level of the fetal thorax occurred. The Zavanelli maneuver was attempted unsuccessfully. A cesarean section was performed immediately but was complicated by lateroflexion of the fetus. The attending pediatrician proceeded to endotracheal intubation and ventilation of the partially born baby. Repositioning of the mother facilitated delivery. The fetus survived without any complications. This case illustrates the lack of scientific data to support decision-making in the case of patients presenting with breech presentation late in labor, as well as the unconventional steps sometimes needed in these situations.