Labour: symphysiotomy: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: symphysiotomy

Sample item

Symphysiotomy is sometimes used in places without surgical facilities. What is its effect?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Separation of the symphysis pubis to increase pelvic diameters

In symphysiotomy the fibrous cartilage of the symphysis pubis is divided so the pelvic bones separate and the pelvic diameters widen, allowing delivery in cases such as impacted shoulders or a mild degree of disproportion where caesarean section is not possible. Complications include urethral and bladder injury, long-term pain and gait problems. It is rarely used in modern practice.

Option by option

  • A. Reduction in the size of the fetal head

    Reduction of the head size describes craniotomy or cephalocentesis.

  • B. Separation of the symphysis pubis to increase pelvic diameters (correct)

    Correct. Division of the symphysis increases pelvic diameters.

  • C. Widening of the cervix

    Cervical widening is not what this operation does.

  • D. Division of the sacrospinous ligament to enlarge the outlet

    The sacrospinous ligament is used in vaginal vault suspension, not in this procedure.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is B, Separation of the symphysis pubis to increase pelvic diameters. In symphysiotomy the fibrous cartilage of the symphysis pubis is divided so the pelvic bones separate and the pelvic diameters widen, allowing delivery in cases such as impacted shoulders or a mild degree of disproportion where caesarean section is not possible.

Why is "Reduction in the size of the fetal head" not the answer?

Reduction of the head size describes craniotomy or cephalocentesis.

Why is "Widening of the cervix" not the answer?

Cervical widening is not what this operation does.

Why is "Division of the sacrospinous ligament to enlarge the outlet" not the answer?

The sacrospinous ligament is used in vaginal vault suspension, not in this procedure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: symphysiotomy in OBG. Complications include urethral and bladder injury, long-term pain and gait problems. It is rarely used in modern practice.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: symphysiotomy?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.