Total breech extraction of the second twin in trial of labor after cesarean

Abstract

Maternal and neonatl outcomes in trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) deliveries of twins are similar to singleton TOLACs. We examined whether internal podalic version and total breech extraction of the second twin adversely impacts outcome. A retrospective multicenter study was conducted including data on deliveries occurring between 2005-2020. We included TOLACs only, at 320/7 gestational weeks and on, of twin gestations with a vertex presenting first twin upon labor admission. The exposed group was defined as deliveries with a non-vertex second twin at admission to labor, while the comparison group included deliveries with a vertex second twin at admission. Only parturients who attempted vaginal delivery were included. Cases of pre-labor fetal death of either twin or major fetal anomalies were excluded. The primary outcome was uterine rupture. Two hundred thirty-six twin TOLACs were included, of whom 128 presented with a non-vertex second twin, and 108 presented with a second vertex twin. There was no difference in the primary outcome of uterine rupture (1/128, 0.9% vs. 1/108, 0.8%, p=1.000) (Table 1). Successful TOLAC of both twins occurred in 76.6% of the exposed group vs. 81.5% in the comparison group, while cesarean delivery (CD) of both twins was performed in 21.9% of the exposed group vs. 17.6% of the comparison group (p=0.418, OR=1.32, CI 0.7-2.5). There were 2 cases of CD for the second twin in the exposed group and one case in the comparison group (1.6% vs. 0.9%, respectively, p=1.000) (Table 2). There was no difference between the groups in maternal outcomes, including rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, placental abruption, etc. (Table 1). Neonatal outcomes were also comparable between the groups. Non-cephalic second twin in TOLAC deliveries results in favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, comparable with vertex-vertex TOLACs. Second twin non-cephalic presentation should not discourage parturients and caregivers from considering TOLAC if desired.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)