Patwardhan Technique: Reduce Second Stage Cesarean Morbidity

Background: Patwardhan technique’ is a unique technique to deliver babies in second stage of labor when head is deeply wedged in pelvis. The study aimed to compare the conventional ‘push’ or ‘pull’ method with the Patwardhan technique in terms of maternal and neonatal morbidities. Method: It was an observational study over a period of one year, where 74 primary second stage cesarean sections performed during this period were included in study. In 41cases baby was delivered by Patwardhan technique and rest 33 were delivered by conventional methods as vertex or breech. Maternal and labor characteristics with neonatal outcome and intraoperative morbidity in both the groups were compared. Result: The study revealed significantly less number of uterine extensions, PPH and need for blood transfusions with Patwardhan technique, thus significantly reducing the maternal morbidity. No significant differences were noted in neonatal outcomes in both the groups. Conclusion: The ability to deliver baby safely without increasing the maternal and fetal morbidity makes this technique superior to conventional methods and hence, it should be practiced as the primary method while dealing with second stage caesarean section.