The destructive obstetric operation in which the fetal skull is perforated and brain tissue is evacuated to reduce head size is called _____.

Craniotomy involves perforation of the skull and evacuation of brain tissue so the head collapses, reducing its size. The material says it may be used when the fetus presents cephalically or in arrest of the after-coming head in breech. This is a distinct operation from decapitation, which separates the head from the trunk.\n\n**Key takeaway:** Craniotomy reduces head size by emptying the skull contents.\n\n**Glossary:** **Cephalic presentation**: A presentation in which the fetal head leads; **after-coming head**: The head delivered after the body in breech birth.