Increasing rates of operative vaginal delivery across two decades: accompanying outcomes and instrument preferences

Objective

To examine rates and outcomes of operative vaginal delivery over a 20-year study period and the changing preference for various instruments during this period.

Study design

This retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data was carried out at a large tertiary referral center from 1991 to 2010. All cases of operative vaginal delivery during the study period were recorded. The rates of instrumental delivery, as well as neonatal outcomes and instrument preference, were compared for individual 5-year epochs.

Results

During the study period there were 156,130 deliveries of which 17,841 were operative vaginal deliveries, an incidence of 11.4/100 deliveries and 13.6/100 vaginal deliveries. There was an increase in the rate of operative vaginal delivery across the 20-year period (P < 0.0001; R² = 0.85; Slope = 0.42). When individual 5-year epochs were compared, the incidence of instrumental delivery increased from 7.3% (2340/31,937) in the first five years, 1991–1995, to 13.7% (6179/45,177) in the final five years, 2006–2010 (P < 0.0001; OR 2.34, 95% CI = 2.23–2.47). The perinatal mortality rate in cases of instrumental delivery was decreased when these time periods were compared (7.3/1000 (17/2340) vs. 1.8/1000 (11/6179); P = 0.003, OR 0.24, 95% CI = 0.11–0.52). The choice of instrument also varied, with 68.2% (1596/2340) of instrumental deliveries in 1991–1995 being carried out with forceps compared to 32.9% (2033/6179) in 2006–2010 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Rates of operative vaginal delivery have increased over the 20-year study period. The rate of perinatal mortality in infants who had an assisted vaginal delivery was decreased in the 5-year epoch at the end of the study compared with the period at the beginning. The rate of forceps delivery has fallen significantly, with vacuum delivery now being the choice of the majority of clinicians.     

Effect of instrument preference for operative deliveries on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes

Objectives

To examine the relationship between physicians’ instrument preference and obstetrical and neonatal outcomes.

Study design

A retrospective cohort study comparing obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of second stage deliveries between obstetricians who prefer forceps (forceps ≥90%) with obstetricians with no preference to forceps (either instrument <90%) was completed using the McGill Obstetrical and Neonatal Database. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain an adjusted odds ratio controlling for maternal, intrapartum and neonatal confounders.

Results

Two thousand and three hundred thirteen infants were delivered by 5 obstetricians who preferred forceps, and 9261 infants were delivered by 15 obstetricians with no instrument preference. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. As compared to obstetricians who preferred forceps, obstetricians with no instrument preference had a higher rate of operative vaginal deliveries 1.5 (1.1–2.0), a higher cesarean section rate 2.5 (1.3–4.9) and a higher episiotomy rate in non-operative vaginal deliveries 3.4 (2.7–4.3). Infants delivered by obstetricians with no instrument preference were less likely to have significant bruising 0.3 (0.2–0.6) but more likely to have a cephalohematoma 3.0 (1.1–8.3).

Conclusion

Physician instrument preference is an important determinant of outcomes that should be considered in studies evaluating instrumental deliveries.     

Comparison of outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK

Objective

To investigate whether there are differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes between Slovakia and the UK, and whether any observed variations can be attributed to differences in perinatal care.

Methods

Data on outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK between 2006 and 2010 were compared. Perinatal mortality figures included stillbirths weighing 1000 g or more and early neonatal deaths.

Results

In Slovakia, the perinatal mortality rate was significantly higher than that in the UK (RR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06–1.18). Cesarean delivery was significantly more frequent in Slovakia (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05–1.06); instrumental vaginal delivery was less frequent (ventouse delivery, RR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.19–0.21; forceps delivery, RR 0.09; 95% CI, 0.09–0.10). Episiotomy and peripartum hysterectomy were performed more often in Slovakia (episiotomy, RR 4.10; 95% CI, 4.07–4.12; peripartum hysterectomy, RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.65–2.47). The incidence of eclampsia was significantly higher in Slovakia (RR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.26–2.04). There were no significant differences in the rates of maternal death.

Conclusion

Perinatal care outcomes and intervention rates differ between Slovakia and UK. This may be explained by differences in outcome definitions, perinatal care, and official encouragement of medical complaints.     

National variations in operative vaginal deliveries in Ireland

Objective

To compare the percentage of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) among all publicly funded maternity hospitals in Ireland and to develop quality control performance tables to facilitate national benchmarking.

Methods

The analysis included deliveries of neonates weighing 500 g or more in publicly funded hospitals in Ireland in 2010. Information was obtained from the Irish National Perinatal Reporting System. Maternities delivering in 1 private hospital or at home, and those with unknown parity were excluded. Mean ± SD OVD rates were calculated per hospital. Quality control tables were devised.

Results

In 2010, there were 75 600 deliveries, of which 73 029 met the inclusion criteria. The number of deliveries per hospital ranged from 1284 to 9759. The OVD rate per hospital was 15.3 ± 2.6% (range, 11.7–20.4%). The OVD rate was 29.1% among primigravidas (n = 30 468) compared with 6.7% among multigravidas (n = 42 561) (P < 0.001). Using quality control tables, 52.6% (n = 10) and 31.6% (n = 6) of hospitals were more than 1 SD outside the national mean for forceps and ventouse delivery, respectively.

Conclusion

Wide variations were found in both the range of OVD and instrument choice among maternity hospitals in Ireland, raising questions about practice and training in contemporary obstetrics.     

Titrated oral misoprostol solution versus vaginal misoprostol for labor induction

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of a titrated oral misoprostol solution compared with vaginal misoprostol tablets for labor induction.

Methods

A randomized, triple-blind, multicenter clinical trial was conducted between March 2010 and June 2011. Women with a single gestation (n = 200) were randomized to receive a titrated oral misoprostol solution (initial misoprostol dose 20 μg/hour; dose increased by 20 μg/hour every 6 hours up to 80 μg/hour for a maximum of 48 doses) or vaginal misoprostol tablets (25 μg of misoprostol every 6 hours for a maximum of 8 doses). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Results

The frequencies of vaginal delivery not achieved within 12 hours (RR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.62–1.22) and within 24 hours (RR 1.11; 95% CI, 0.83–1.49) were similar in the 2 groups. No differences were found in terms of uterine hyperstimulation, unfavorable cervix at 12 and 24 hours, oxytocin augmentation, tachysystole, epidural analgesia, adverse effects, and perinatal outcome. Approximately 70% of the women preferred the oral solution.

Conclusion

A titrated oral misoprostol solution was as effective and safe for labor induction as vaginal misoprostol tablets.ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00 992524     

Non-technical skills for obstetricians conducting forceps and vacuum deliveries: qualitative analysis by interviews and video recordings

Objective

Non-technical skills are cognitive and social skills required in an operational task. These skills have been identified and taught in the surgical domain but are of particular relevance to obstetrics where the patient is awake, the partner is present and the clinical circumstances are acute and often stressful. The aim of this study was to define the non-technical skills of an operative vaginal delivery (forceps or vacuum) to facilitate transfer of skills from expert obstetricians to trainee obstetricians.

Study design

Qualitative study using interviews and video recordings. The study was conducted at two university teaching hospitals (St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee). Participants included 10 obstetricians and eight midwives identified as experts in conducting or supporting operative vaginal deliveries. Semi-structured interviews were carried out using routine clinical scenarios. The experts were also video recorded conducting forceps and vacuum deliveries in a simulation setting. The interviews and video recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic coding. The anonymised data were independently coded by the three researchers and then compared for consistency of interpretation. The experts reviewed the coded data for respondent validation and clarification. The themes that emerged were used to identify the non-technical skills required for conducting an operative vaginal delivery.

Results

The final skills list was classified into seven main categories. Four categories (situational awareness, decision making, task management, and team work and communication) were similar to the categories identified in surgery. Three further categories unique to obstetrics were also identified (professional relationship with the woman, maintaining professional behaviour and cross-monitoring of performance).

Conclusion

This explicitly defined skills taxonomy could aid trainees’ understanding of the non-technical skills to be considered when conducting an operative vaginal delivery and potentially reduce morbidity and improve the experience of delivery for the mother.     

Influence of mode of delivery on neonatal mortality and morbidity in spontaneous preterm breech delivery

Objective

To study the association between mode of delivery and neonatal outcome in singleton pregnancy with breech presentation and preterm birth, due to premature labour (PTL) and/or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM).

Design and methods

Information on preterm (gestational week 25–36) singleton births in breech presentation in Sweden during 1990–2002 was obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. The study groups included 1975 caesarean and 699 vaginal deliveries with a diagnosis of PTL or pPROM, without pregnancy complications implying a high risk of fetal compromise. The rates of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), low Apgar scores, and neonatal deaths were compared between infants delivered vaginally and by caesarean section. Odds ratios were calculated with adjustment for gestational age, year of birth, maternal age and parity.

Results

The risk of neonatal death and the risk of an Apgar score below 5 min postnatally were both lower after caesarean delivery (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.7, and OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3–0.7, respectively), whereas the risk of IRDS was increased (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4–3.2). A diagnosis of IRDS was not associated with mortality (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5–1.5). IVH was not associated with mode of delivery (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.5–2.8).

Conclusion

The lower neonatal mortality after CS supports a policy of caesarean delivery of the preterm breech.     

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la administración de 25 μg de misoprostol por vía vaginal frente a 50 μg por vía sublingual para la inducción del trabajo del parto en gestantes con diabetes

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of misoprostol 50 μg administered sublingually versus 25 μg administered vaginally for labor induction at term in pregnant women with diabetes.

Methods

Three hundred pregnant women with diabetes were randomly allocated to receive misoprostol 25 μg vaginally or 50 μg sublingually every 4 hours up to 4 doses. The main variable assessed was the rate of vaginal deliveries in 24 hours.

Results

Vaginal delivery in 24 hours was achieved in 109/150 (72.7%) women in the sublingual group and in 104/150 (69.3%) in the vaginal group, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.611; RR = 1.176; 95% CI for RR, 0.714-1.938). Tachysystole was significantly more frequent in the sublingual misoprostol group (RR = 0.474; 95% CI for RR, 0.233-0.968). The indications for cesarean section were similar in both groups. Uterine rupture occurred in one patient in the sublingual group who was administered the third misoprostol dose in the active phase of labor.

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences were found in the vaginal delivery rates between sublingual and vaginal misoprostol, although adverse effects were more frequent with the sublingual route.     

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following additional doses of vaginal prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

To assess maternal and neonatal outcomes following the use of additional doses of vaginal prostaglandins (PGE2) above the recommended dose for induction of labour in post-dates pregnancies.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study set in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Aberdeen, UK. A total of 3514 nulliparous women with labour induced with vaginal PGE2 (3 mg tablet or 2 mg gel) for a post-dates singleton pregnancy from January 1994 to December 2009 were included. Women receiving ≤ 2 doses of PGE2 were compared with those receiving > 2 doses (maximum 5 doses). Binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Primary outcomes included mode of delivery, terbutaline use, indication for CS, postpartum haemorrhage, neonatal unit admission, and Apgar score < 7. A further analysis was conducted which stratified for number of doses of PGE2 given.

Results

Of the 3514 women who met inclusion criteria, 605 (17%) received PGE2 that exceeded the licensed dose. They were more likely to deliver by caesarean section (53.4% vs. 31.8%, OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.8–2.6), have a caesarean section for ‘failed’ induction of labour (11.4% vs. 1.9%, OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.3–13.2) or lack of progress in labour (37% vs. 17%, OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.3–3.4), but not for fetal concerns (8.2% vs. 8.8% OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7–1.3). Terbutaline use and postpartum haemorrhage was no more likely (0.7% vs. 0.9% OR 0.6 95% CI 0.3–1.5 and 19.8% vs. 18.9% OR1.01, 95% CI 0.97–1.06 respectively). Apgar score < 7 (1.1% vs. 1.3% OR 0.9 95% CI 0.8–1.1) and neonatal unit admission (13.7% vs. 10.7% OR 1.2 95% CI 0.8–1.6) were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The use of additional doses of vaginal PGE2 above the recommended dose for induction of labour was not associated with increased maternal or neonatal morbidity and almost half of these women achieved a vaginal delivery.     

Advanced maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes in an Asian population

Objective

To investigate (1) whether there is an increasing trend in the mean maternal age at the birth of the first child and in the group of women giving birth at age 35 or older, and (2) the association between advanced maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes in an Asian population.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 39,763 Taiwanese women who delivered after 24 weeks of gestation between July 1990 and December 2003. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding variables.

Results

During the study period, the mean maternal age at the birth of the first child increased from 28.0 to 29.7 years, and the proportion of women giving birth at age 35 or older increased from 11.4% to 19.1%. Compared to women aged 20–34 years, women giving birth at age 35 or older carried a nearly 1.5-fold increased risk for pregnancy complications and a 1.6–2.6-fold increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. After adjusting for the confounding effects of maternal characteristics and coexisting pregnancy complications, women aged 35–39 years were at increased risk for operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–1.7) and cesarean delivery (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5–1.7), while women aged 40 years and older were at increased risk for preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation) (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2), operative vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.0–4.6), and cesarean delivery (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.2–3.1). In those women who had a completely uncomplicated pregnancy and a normal vaginal delivery, advanced maternal age was still significantly associated with early preterm delivery (before 34 weeks of gestation), a birth weight <1500 g, low Apgar scores, fetal demise, and neonatal death.

Conclusion

In this population of Taiwanese women, there is an increasing trend in the mean maternal age at the birth of the first child. Furthermore, advanced maternal age is independently associated with specific adverse perinatal outcomes.     

A comparison of trends in cesarean delivery in Paraguay between 1995 and 2008

Objective

To identify maternal factors associated with the rise in the cesarean delivery rate in Paraguay.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the 1995 and the 2008 National Survey on Demographic and Sexual and Reproductive Health data using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In 2008, 1094 (37.3%) deliveries were cesarean compared with 781 (19.3%) in 1995. Home births had decreased by 72.9%, accounting for 33.3% of the change in the proportion of cesarean deliveries. Private facilities were associated with an increased odds ratio of cesarean delivery of 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–3.34) and 4.89 (95% CI, 3.67–6.51) in 1995 and 2008, respectively, and accounted for 32.8% of the increase in cesarean deliveries between 1995 and 2008. Cesarean delivery was also associated with a prior cesarean, insurance status, and maternal higher educational and economic status.

Conclusion

Between 1995 and 2008 the cesarean delivery rate in Paraguay almost doubled. More than one-third of deliveries were cesarean. Shifts toward facility- (particularly private) based deliveries and repeat cesarean for women with a previous cesarean influenced this increase. Practice guidelines, regulation, and oversight of facilities, along with education and information for pregnant women, are needed to curb unnecessary and potentially harmful surgical delivery interventions.     

Effects of maternal obesity on the success of assisted vaginal delivery in Chinese women

Background

We examined the influence of pre-pregnancy body weight on the rates of attempted and successfully assisted-vaginal delivery.

Methods

We used 2008–2016 inpatient records including 3408 women who had singleton gestations and needed operative delivery assistance to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Patients were categorized based on pre-pregnancy BMI (normal weight?=?18.5 to less than 25 or obese?=?30 or greater). We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of attempted and successful forceps or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery by body weight adjusted for marital status, age, gestational age, induction of labor, episiotomy, diabetes, and birth weight.

Results

The proportion of women with attempted either vacuum or forceps was lower among women who were obese pre-pregnancy compared to women who were normal weight. Women with excessive gestational weight gain, large for gestational age neonates, and diabetes were less likely to have a vacuum-assisted or forceps-assisted vaginal delivery attempted. Conversely, women who received labor augmentation or induction, used epidural anesthesia, gained inadequate weight, and delivered a small for gestational age infant were more likely to have a vacuum-assisted or forceps-assisted vaginal delivery attempted. Compared to normal weight women, obese women who received forceps-assisted vaginal delivery were more likely to have a successful vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Women who had normal weight had higher likelihood to attempt assisted vaginal delivery compared to women who had pre-pregnancy obesity. However, when assisted vaginal delivery was attempted, success rates were higher when forceps-assisted delivery was used compared to vacuum-assisted delivery.

     

Risk factors for severe perineal lacerations during childbirth

Background

Severe perineal lacerations represent a significant complication of normal labor with a strong impact on quality of life.

Objectives

To identify factors that lead to the occurrence of severe perineal lacerations.

Search strategy

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and reference lists from all included studies.

Selection criteria

We included prospective and retrospective observational studies.

Data collection and analysis

Predetermined data were collected and analyzed with the Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effects model or the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model.

Main results

The meta-analysis included 22 studies (n = 651 934). Women with severe perineal tears were more likely to have had heavier infants (mean difference 192.88 g [95% CI, 139.80–245.96 g]), an episiotomy (OR 3.82 [95% CI, 1.96–7.42]), or an operative vaginal delivery (OR 5.10 [95% CI, 3.33–7.83]). Epidural anesthesia (OR 1.95 [95% CI, 1.63–2.32]), labor induction (OR 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02–1.14]), and labor augmentation (OR 1.95 [95% CI, 1.56–2.44]) were also more common among women with perineal lacerations.

Conclusions

Various factors contribute to the occurrence of perineal lacerations. Future studies should consistently evaluate all examined parameters to determine their possible interrelation.     

The rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in Finnish obstetric units as a patient safety indicator

Objective

To study whether there are significant differences in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) between the different sized delivery units in Finland.

Study design

The study was performed as a population based registry study in Finland, including all births (294 725) between 2006 and 2010. All the Finnish delivery units (34) were categorized by the number of annual deliveries and the OASIS rate was then compared between the different sized delivery units using a logistic regression analysis adjusting for maternal age and parity. The Robson ten group classification was used for more accurate comparison.

Results

The OASIS rate was significantly elevated, both in the largest units with 5000 annual deliveries or more (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.11–1.92) and in the smallest units with less than 500 annual deliveries (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22–1.45). In the Robson's group 1 (primiparous, single cephalic term pregnancy, spontaneous labour) the risk for OASIS was the highest in the largest units (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.28–1.61) while in the Robson's group 3 (multiparous, single cephalic term pregnancy, spontaneous labour) the highest risk was found in the smallest units (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.68–5.02).

Conclusions

There is significant inter-hospital variation in OASIS rates suggesting significant differences in obstetric practices. Robson's ten group classification should be used to enhance the inter-hospital comparison.     

Evolución del porcentaje de episiotomía en un hospital comarcal entre los años 2003–2009. Factores de riesgo de los desgarros graves de periné

Objective

The primary objective of this paper is to present the evolution of the episiotomy rate between the years 2003-2009, following a policy of restrictive use and its possible influence on the rate of severe lacerations and perinatal morbidity in the short term.

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on a cohort made up of women who gave birth in our hospital (9023 women). The valued parameters are: changes in the episiotomy rate, percentage of severe perineal tears according to the use of episiotomy or not. Normal vaginal deliveries versus instrumental ones and the type of instrumental delivery. Apgar score below 7 at five minutes. A multivariable logistic regression was performed in order to assess the relationship between risk factors and the incidence of severe tears.

Results

The episiotomy rate ranged between 40.37% in 2003 and 8% in 2009, the downward trend was statistically significant. The rate of severe tears remained between 0.49% and 1.04% that change was not statistically significant. There was no significant variation in the rate of Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes. The odds ratio (OR) of having a serious perineal tear is 2.99 (95% CI 1.47 to 6.05) in women who had an episiotomy compared with those that did not have it, the 2.40 (95% CI 1.16 to 4.99) in the instrumental delivery versus eutocic delivery and the 6.43 (95% CI 1.50 to 27.49) in forceps deliveries compared with vacuum deliveries.

Conclusions

Over a period of 7 years the episiotomy rate was reduced by 80% without modifying the rate of serious perineal tears, and the short-term perinatal morbidity remained constant.     

Birth outcomes of singleton vaginal deliveries to ART-treated,subfertile, and fertile primiparous women

Purpose

To determine whether differences in birth outcomes among assisted reproductive technology (ART)-treated, subfertile, and fertile women exist in primiparous women with, singleton, vaginal deliveries.

Methods

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) data were linked to Massachusetts vital records and hospital discharges for deliveries between July 2004 and December 2010. Primiparous women with in-state vaginal deliveries, adequate prenatal care, and singleton birth at ≥?20 weeks (n?=?117,779) were classified as ART-treated (linked to ART data from SART CORS, n?=?3138); subfertile (not ART-treated but with indicators of subfertility, n?=?1507); or fertile (neither ART-treated nor subfertile, n?=?113,134). Outcomes of prematurity (<?37 weeks), low birthweight (<?2500 g), perinatal death (death at ≥?20 weeks to ≤?7 days), and maternal prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS >?3 days) were compared using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Compared to fertile, higher odds were found for prematurity among ART-treated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.50) and subfertile (AOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.50) women, low birthweight among ART-treated (AOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.23–1.62) and subfertile (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.15–1.71) women, perinatal death among subfertile (AOR 2.64, 95% CI 1.72–4.05), and prolonged LOS among ART-treated (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19–1.48) women. Differences remained despite stratification by young age and absence of pregnancy/delivery complications.

Conclusions

Greater odds of prematurity and low birthweight in ART-treated and subfertile, and perinatal death in subfertile deliveries are evident among singleton vaginal deliveries. The data suggest that even low-risk pregnancies to ART-treated and subfertile women be managed for adverse outcomes.

     

A cohort study of maternal and neonatal morbidity in relation to use of sequential instruments at operative vaginal delivery

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors and maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with sequential use of instruments (vacuum and forceps) at operative vaginal delivery.

Study design

A cohort study of 1360 nulliparous women delivered by a single instrument (vacuum or forceps) or by both instruments, within two university teaching hospitals in Scotland and England. Outcomes were compared for use of sequential instruments versus use of any single instrument. A sub-group analysis compared sequential instruments versus forceps alone. Outcomes of interest included anal sphincter tears, postpartum haemorrhage, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, prolonged hospital admission, neonatal trauma, low Apgar scores, abnormal cord bloods and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Results

Use of sequential instruments at operative vaginal delivery was associated with fetal malpositions, Odds Ratio (OR) 1.8 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3-2.6), and large neonatal head circumference (>37 cm) (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.6-9.7) but not with maternal obesity or grade of operator. Sequential use of instruments was associated with greater maternal and neonatal morbidity than single instrument use (anal sphincter tear 17.4% versus 8.4%, adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.3; umbilical artery pH <7.10, 13.8% versus 5.0%, adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.2). Sequential instrument use had greater morbidity than single instrument use with forceps alone (anal sphincter tear OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9; umbilical artery pH <7.10 OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7-5.5).

Conclusions

The use of sequential instruments significantly increases maternal and neonatal morbidity. Obstetricians need training in the appropriate selection and use of instruments with the aim of completing delivery safely with one instrument.     

Outcomes of subsequent pregnancies after conservative treatment for placenta accreta

Objective

To estimate the association between conservative treatment for placenta accreta and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were analyzed on women who received conservative treatment for placenta accreta (removal of the placenta with uterine preservation) at a tertiary hospital in Jerusalem, Israel, between 1990 and 2000. Data were collected on subsequent pregnancies and neonatal outcomes until 2010, and compared with those from a matched control group of women who did not have placenta accreta.

Results

A total of 134 women were included in both groups. Placenta accreta occurred in 62 (22.8%) of 272 subsequent deliveries in the study group for which data were available and 5 (1.9%) of 266 in the control group (relative risk [RR] 12.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.95–29.69; P < 0.001). Early postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 23 (8.6%) of 268 deliveries in the study group and 7 (2.6%) of 268 in the control group (RR 3.29; 95% CI 1.43–7.53; P < 0.001). The odds ratio for recurrent placenta accreta in subsequent deliveries in the study group was 15.41 (95% CI 6.09–39.03; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although subsequent pregnancies after conservative treatment for placenta accreta were mostly successful, the risk of recurrent placenta accreta and postpartum hemorrhage is high in future deliveries.     

Decision-making in operative vaginal delivery: when to intervene,where to deliver and which instrument to use? Qualitative analysis of expert clinical practice

Objective

To identify the decision-making process involved in determining when to intervene, where to deliver and the optimal choice of instrument for operative vaginal deliveries in the second stage of labour.

Study design

A qualitative study using interviews and video recordings took place at two university teaching hospitals (St. Michael's Hospital Bristol and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee). Ten obstetricians and eight midwives were identified as experts in conducting or supporting operative vaginal deliveries. Semi-structured interviews were carried out using routine clinical scenarios. The experts were also video recorded conducting low cavity vacuum and mid-cavity rotational forceps deliveries in a simulation setting. The interviews and video recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic coding. The anonymised data were independently coded by three researchers and then compared for consistency of interpretation. The experts reviewed the coded interview and video data for respondent validation and clarification. The themes that emerged following the final coding were used to identify the decision-making process when planning and conducting an operative vaginal delivery. Key decision points were reported in selecting when and where to conduct an operative vaginal delivery and which instrument to use.

Results

The final decision-making list highlights the various decision points to consider when performing an operative vaginal delivery. We identified clinical factors that experts take into consideration when selecting where the delivery should take place and the preferred choice of instrument.

Conclusion

This detailed illustration of the decision-making process could aid trainees’ understanding of the approach to safe operative vaginal delivery, aiming to minimise morbidity.     

Impact of Episiotomy During Operative Vaginal Delivery on Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe associations between episiotomy at the time of forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery and obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).MethodsThis population-based retrospective cohort study used delivery information from a provincial perinatal clinical database. Full-term, singleton, in-hospital, operative vaginal deliveries of vertex-presenting infants from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2016 were identified. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree lacerations were calculated in multiple logistic regression models (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).ResultsEpisiotomy was performed in 34% of 52 241 operative vaginal deliveries. OASIS occurred in 21% of forceps deliveries and 7.6% of vacuum deliveries. Episiotomy was associated with increased odds of severe perineal lacerations for vacuum deliveries among women with (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.96–3.13) and without (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02–1.22) a prior vaginal delivery. Among forceps deliveries, episiotomy was associated with increased odds of OASIS for those with a previous vaginal delivery (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.12–2.06), but it was protective for women with no previous vaginal delivery (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.67–0.79). Midline compared with mediolateral episiotomy increased the odds of OASIS in forceps deliveries (OR 2.73; 95% CI 2.37–3.13) and vacuum deliveries (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.65–2.28).ConclusionIn conclusion, results suggest that episiotomy should be used with caution, particularly among women with a previous vaginal delivery and in the setting of vacuum-assisted delivery. Episiotomy may protect against OASIS in forceps-assisted deliveries for women without a prior vaginal delivery.