Symphysiotomy

Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the pubic symphysis is divided to widen the pelvis, allowing childbirth when the baby has difficulty fitting through the pelvis. Also known as pelviotomy and synchondrotomy, it has largely been supplanted by caesarean section, with the exception of certain rare obstetric emergencies or in resource-poor settings, and it differs from pubiotomy, where the pelvic bone itself is cut in two places rather than cutting through the symphysis pubis joint.