version and extraction, an obstetric operation in which a fetus presenting head first is turned and delivered feet first. It is performed by reaching deeply into the uterus, grasping the feet and pulling them down, and extracting the infant. The procedure is considered outmoded and hazardous and has been replaced by cesarean section, although it still may be done to deliver a second twin. Also called internal podalic version and total breech extraction. Compare external version. See also breech birth.
