How useful is external cephalic version in clinical practice?

Summary

We reviewed retrospectively all women with a singleton breech presentation after 36 weeks' gestation who were referred for an external cephalic version (ECV) in the 3 years from 2001 – 2003. The number (n = 107) referred was low and the overall success rate of 24.5% was also low. Over the 3 years, our practice of ECV prevented only 15 caesarean sections and thus made little contribution to reducing the hospital's overall caesarean section rate. This audit highlights the need for a review of current practices in our hospital. ECV is recommended by the guidelines of the RCOG and it is a concern that the results achieved by enthusiasts of ECV may not be achieved in everyday obstetric practice.