PubMed · 6142299
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
A J Cavenagh. 1984-03-10. Vacuum versus forceps.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(84)90983-8
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
BACKGROUND: Proponents of vacuum delivery argue that it should be chosen first for assisted vaginal delivery, because it is less likely to injure the mother. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of vacuum extraction compared to forceps, on failure to achieve delivery and maternal and neonatal morbidity. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: February 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Acceptably controlled comparisons of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials were included. The trials were of reasonable quality. Use of the vacuum extractor for assisted vaginal delivery when compared to forceps delivery was associated with significantly less maternal trauma (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.50) and with less general and regional anaesthesia. There were more deliveries with vacuum extraction (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.19). Fewer caesarean sections were carried out in the vacuum extractor group. However the vacuum extractor was associated with an increase in neonatal cephalhaematomata and retinal haemorrhages. Serious neonatal injury was uncommon with either instrument. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Use of the vacuum extractor rather than forceps for assisted delivery appears to reduce maternal morbidity. The reduction in cephalhaematoma and retinal haemorrhages seen with forceps may be a compensatory benefit.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Delivery through the maternal genital tract can be assisted or performed using specific instruments. In France, these techniques are used in 15% of deliveries. The three instruments used are the forceps, the vacuum extractor and the spatula. Manual manoeuvres are essentially used in breech presentation. These are mainly partial and total breech extractions with their many variations. The version consisting of external manoeuvering precedes delivery. In cephalic presentations, the only possible manual manoeuvre is manual rotation of the foetal head.