Shoulder Dystocia. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/098, 10/2024).

Abstract

Purpose: This is an official guideline of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, SGGG). Shoulder dystocia is a rare but feared obstetric complication with potentially far-reaching medical consequences for mother and child. The purpose of this guideline is to standardize the processes which provide individual obstetric solutions for shoulder dystocia in accordance with current scientific knowledge and current clinical practice. The aim is also to emphasize that no matter how good the medical care, shoulder dystocia and its associated complications cannot be entirely prevented and are not fully controllable.

Methods: Representative members from different medical specialties were commissioned by the guidelines programm of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG to develop this S2k-guideline using a structured consensus process.

Recommendations: The guideline provides recommendations about the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors and prevention, logistics, and measures to treat shoulder dystocia including an algorithm for action, and the associated complications, documentation requirements, debriefing, forensic aspects, education, training and simulation as well as follow-up discussions on the shoulder dystocia event.