To test the value of increasing the frequency of cesarean section and application of forceps to the aftercoming head, as means of lowering fetal mortality in breech delivery, two 5 year periods in one hospital were analyzed. The cesarean section rate rose from 12.2 per cent in the first period to 19.5 per cent in the second period; forceps application rose from 38 per cent to 77 per cent. With no other apparent cause, fetal deaths associated with breech delivery of infants weighing ≧ 2,500 grams fell from 1.4 per cent to 0.35 per cent. It is suggested that cesarean section be seriously considered in the management of footling presentation, an especially hazardous complication of delivery. © 1969.
