Symphysiotomy survivors’ groups welcome expert review

A SURVIVORS’ group has welcomed the appointment of an international expert who will review a surgical procedure that condemned hundreds of women to a lifetime of pain and suffering.

Professor Kenneth Bjorklund from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, has accepted an invitation from the Department of Health's chief medical officer to carry out the review of the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland.

A symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure to permanently widen the pelvis of a woman who might normally require repeat caesarean sections.