Abstract
Objectives: To compare the proportions of successful vaginal deliveries following the use of forceps and vacuum extractor in second stage of labour and to compare the maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with these instruments in second stage of labour.
Study design: Quasi experimental study
Place and duration: June 2008 to December 2008, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
Materials & methods: Sixty pregnant women with delayed second stage of labour. They were allocated randomly to two groups of 30 each, to either forceps or vacuum extraction using random number table.
Results: Analysis revealed that success rate was similar with both instruments (94% with forceps & 92% with vacuum extraction). Majority of mothers were primigravida (74% in forceps 74% in vacuum group). Maternal birth canal injuries (P<0.003), >500 ml blood loss (8%) and infant soft tissue injuries were more common with forceps. No marked difference in 1 & 5 minutes Apgar score. Cephalhaematoma was more common among infants delivered by vacuum. Delay in second stage of labour was more common indication for vacuum delivery (46%) while fetal distress for forceps delivery (44%).
Conclusion: Vacuum extraction should be considered over forceps delivery.