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Infibulation as a consequence of female genital cutting (JW Womens Health Jul 12 2012) results in vaginal outlet obstruction that can complicate labor; however, the optimal timing and technique of deinfibulation has not been studied. Saudi investigators reviewed charts of 388 consecutive laboring women with prior infibulation who underwent standardized intrapartum deinfibulation. After infiltration with local anesthetic, the scar was cut in the midline at the time of fetal crowning; the edges were sutured after delivery to alleviate bleeding. Procedures were performed by attending-supervised residents.
Maternal and infant outcomes did not differ between women with deinfibulation and those who had not undergone infibulation. No cesarean deliv…